whisky feature
1001 whIsKIes you must try Before you dIe Whisky lovers need to get tasting, if they take the newest whisky tome to heart, Dominic Roskrow writes in this excerpt on the Macallan macallan 21-year-olD Fine oaK ERDINGTON GROUP www.themacallan.com REGION AND COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: DISTILLERY:
ALCOHOL CONTENT: STYLE:
speyside, scotland
the macallan, craigellachie, Banffshire 43% abv
single malt
The importance of investing in decent wood from early on in a malt’s maturing life is going to manifest itself for certain when the malt hits its teenage years. Like anything that grows up, whisky is definitely a product of its environment and upbringing as it matures. The nature–nurture argument prevails even in whisky circles. Macallan’s 21-Year-Old, in fact most of the Macallan’s expressions, matures into a well rounded and balanced young adult, safe in its comfort blanket of the handcrafted casks. The spirit is kept under close observation by distiller Bob Delgarno as it matures, and it is his job to ensure that his twenty-something casks are behaving and reaching the points of perfection when they can be released into society. To show that Macallan takes the moniker of “most luxurious single malt” very seriously, the colour of the whisky is achieved wholly naturally, just through the influence of the casks, without the addition of any coloring, as has otherwise become common. This 21-Year-Old is a master class in oak-aged whiskies—the oak is clearly present yet a plethora of other flavors are allowed to come through. A big, solid dram to savour after dinner and into the evening. tAsting notes: enticing citrus, vanilla, and cinnamon on the nose. the palate brings spice, clove, marmalade, and the wisps of smoke warm you gently. the finish is full, with toffee.
38 www.drinksbiz.co.nz june / july 2012
macallan 18-year-olD glenKeir treasures GLENKEIR WHISKIES www.thewhiskyshop.com REGION AND COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: DISTILLERY:
ALCOHOL CONTENT: STYLE:
speyside, scotland
the macallan, craigellachie, Banffshire 40% abv
single malt
Glenkeir Treasures is the independent bottling arm of The Whisky Shop, which has revolutionized the way that quality whisky reaches the general public in the United Kingdom. The chain of shops combines all of the attractions of an independent liquor store with the convenience of a high street store. The company policy is to work with the leading distillers to grow brands through its own extensive print and online magazine, Whiskeria. With its knowledgeable staff and comfortable environment, the group has played a major role in educating customers about the world of whisky. But it’s not all entry-level stuff, and releases like this are attractive to the serious whisky fan, too, either as a drink or as an investment. No distillery attracts as much attention from the collector as Macallan. This 18-year-old was particularly sought after because in the days before the Macallan Fine Oak range was launched, it was genuinely different. Its higher-than-average proportion of bourbon casks offer the drinker a chance to taste the heart of the malt, rather than the cask it has been matured in. This whisky has a loyal following and, for the age, represents very good value for money. Just enough oak to give it body, too. tAsting notes: apple, grapefruit, and lemongrass on the nose, with little evidence of oak. immense blood orange and kumquat and a flurry of white pepper on the palate.