The Macallan has unveiled its latest whisky in its Sherry Oak Range: The Macallan 40 Years Old.
The spirit matured in Oloroso sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain. Crafted from a combination of three casks – 2 sherry butts and 1 sherry hogshead — The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old is a rich, fruity whisky displaying a natural deep copper color, the company says.
On the nose are hints of sultanas, gingers and wood spice against a backdrop of sweet cinnamon and citrus, the company reports, while the palate opens with soft cinnamon spices leading into date and figs, before giving way to a long finish with a lingering cinnamon spice.
The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old has an ABV of 44%. The 2017 release will be available starting in late December of this year, and will be limited to 465 bottles worldwide, with only 70 bottles allocated to the U.S. at a suggested retail price of approximately $9,000 per 750-ml. bottle.
The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old forms part of The Macallan Sherry Oak Range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez.
To create The Macallan Sherry Oak Range, The Macallan works with “tree to finished seasoned cask” companies in Spain, to identify oak trees, fell them sustainably, saw and air dry the oak staves, before shipping them to Jerez in southern Spain for further air-drying to reduce the moisture further still. The casks are then crafted and seasoned for 18 months with dry Oloroso sherry, before making the journey up to Scotland where they are filled with The Macallan ‘new make’ spirit to mature for decades.
Each expression is characterized by spice, dried fruits and mature oak with a depth of flavor developing through the range.
“We invest more in sherry seasoned casks than any other distillery in sourcing, crafting, seasoning and caring for our casks to create the depth, complexity and richness of flavor for which The Macallan is renowned,” explains Nick Savage, The Macallan master distiller.
