The Macallan 1824 Collection Oscuro 2021 46.5%abv 15ml / 30ml

One of the better recent Macallans which is a formerly legendary whisky that has become more about branding, marketing and bling these days. One of 3000 bottles, Oscuro releases were originally travel retail releases but that was soon forgotten as nobody travelled due to COVID when this one was released in 2021 so it went to shops.

This is not very complex and there are no surprising tasting notes - it tastes like an uncomplicated old sherry cask matured whisky. Some early reviews from the launch event mention that it is mostly a vatting of casks  from 1987 and 1997 with younger cask or two added to brighten it up (some of the 1987 casks would be around 40%abv). It is then diluted back down to 46.5% in marrying vats for 6 months before bottling and this release is non-chill filtered. Although it is non-age statement there is a fair amount of seriously aged stock in this release. Like Glendronach Grandeur this is a whisky that is all about texture and luxurious presentation - its looking for the title of the 'King of Smooth' it has a lovely rich silky, syrupy and buttery mouth feel. Nobody is going to taste this and wax lyrical about the nuanced flavours but plenty of millionaires will taste this with their millionaire friends and go 'Wow! thats the smoothest whisky I've ever tasted'. 

Official Tasting Notes:

• COLOUR

  Burnished copper.

• NOSE

  Ripened woodland fruits, dark chocolate, orange, creamy vanilla.

• PALATE

  Delicate fruits, rich sweetness and spice. Dried figs, ripe oranges and a hint of crisp apples.

• FINISH

  Full and lingering with a hint or warming wood smoke.