Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask 2021
Description
We at Whiskytopia love nothing better than finding new and up-and-coming distilleries that are producing quality drams but the adage "you cant teach an old dog new trick" must have been coined for Macallan's 18-Year-Old Double Cask 2021. It is a limited edition single malt Scotch whisky hailing from the prestigious Macallan distillery nestled in Speyside. This velvet liquid is a marriage of whiskies matured in both American and European oak casks seasoned with sherry, creating a complex and rich profile. Notes of vanilla, dried fruits, caramel, and spices unfold in this masterpiece bottled in 2021, gracefully presented at 43% ABV. Revel in its natural color and the refusal to undergo chill filtration – a whisky that's bold, beautiful, and filter-free.
Pronunciation
Macallan - "muh-KAL-uhn."
Primary Flavours
Complex and rich profile
Vanilla, dried fruits, caramel, and spices
Vanilla, toffee, and orange on the nose
Sweetness and smoothness, raisins, figs, chocolate, and nutmeg on the palate
Long, warm, and spicy finish with oak and ginger
Secondary Notes
Nuanced layers of flavours and aromas
Honey, leather, and mint on the nose
Coffee, almond, and cinnamon on the palate
Floral and fruity touches of rose, peach, and cherry
Perfect balance and harmony
Mouthfeel
Full and creamy mouthfeel
Good weight and viscosity
Warming and satisfying sensation
Smooth and pleasant texture
No harshness or astringency
Flavours to look out for
Magical Pairings
This is a section that suggests some food, cocktail, and cigar pairings that would complement the whisky and enhance the tasting experience. For example: The Macallan's 18-Year-Old Double Cask 2021 can be paired with some food, cocktail, and cigar options that match its peaty and sherry profile. Some possible pairings are:
Food: - A good food pairing for the Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask 2021 would be dishes that have similar flavours, such as smoked salmon, roasted lamb, or cheese platters. Alternatively, you can contrast the whisky with dishes that have fresh and citrusy flavours, such as salads, seafood, or lemon desserts. We would recommend a smoked salmon and avocado salad is a fresh and citrusy dish that can contrast the whisky’s sweetness and richness. It also has some healthy fats and proteins that can balance the alcohol.
Cocktail: A classic cocktail that would go well with the Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask 2021 is a Penicillin. This is a modern Scotch whisky cocktail that was created by Sam Ross in 2005. It combines the whisky with honey, lemon, and ginger, creating a balanced and fruity drink that enhances the sherry and spice notes of the whisky, while adding a touch of sweetness and acidity. To make a Penicillin, you will need:
60 ml of The Macallan 18-Year-Old Double Cask 2021
22.5 ml of fresh lemon juice
22.5 ml of honey-ginger syrup (see below)
15 ml of peated Scotch whisky (such as Laphroaig or Ardbeg)
A piece of candied ginger for garnish
To make the honey-ginger syrup, you will need:
1/4 cup of honey
1/4 cup of water
A 5 cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
In a small saucepan, bring the honey, water, and ginger to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and let it cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To make the cocktail, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the whisky, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Float the peated Scotch whisky on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Garnish with a piece of candied ginger and enjoy.
Cigar: A suitable cigar pairing for the Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask 2021 would be A Montecristo No. 2 is a medium to full-bodied cigar that has a complex and rich profile, with notes of leather, chocolate, and spice. It matches the body and flavour of the whisky, while adding some depth and interest. The cigar is one of the most famous and popular Cuban cigars, and has a distinctive torpedo shape. It has a Cuban wrapper, binder, and filler, and has a length of 6.1 inches and a ring gauge of 52.
Distillery
The Macallan 18-Year-Old Double Cask 2021 emerges from the hands of Kirsteen Campbell, the master whisky maker with over 20 years of industry experience. Since 2019, Campbell has orchestrated every aspect of production at Macallan – from barley and water sourcing to milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and cask filling.
Region
This delightful dram was produced in the Speyside region, a whisky-producing haven in the northeast of Scotland. Speyside boasts a mild climate and a rich history of whisky-making, and its whiskies are renowned for their smooth, sweet, and fruity character, with subtle malty and nutty influences from the barley and water.
Cask Management
The Macallan 18-Year-Old Double Cask 2021 unfolds its tale through a meticulous blend of American and European oak casks seasoned with sherry. The casks dance between dried fruits, nuts, spices, and vanilla, carefully selected by the master blender to showcase the terroir and character of the double cask maturation.
Master Blenders
The Macallan 18-Year-Old Double Cask 2021 is the result of the Macallan blending team, led by Kirsteen Campbell, the master whisky maker. With over two decades of experience, Campbell oversees the entire production process, ensuring a harmonious and consistent product from barley and water sourcing to cask filling.
Industry Awards
Brand Ambassadors
While the Macallan 18-Year-Old Double Cask 2021 has not yet received industry accolades, it follows in the esteemed footsteps of its Macallan predecessors, recognized and praised by critics and consumers alike. Watch this space for the unfolding of its awards journey.
The Macallan 18-Year-Old Double Cask 2021 is proudly represented by the Macallan brand ambassadors – a team of whisky virtuosos traversing the globe to share their passion and knowledge. Meet David Cox, the director of fine and rare whiskies; Nicola Riske, the global brand ambassador; and Kirsteen Campbell, the master whisky maker. Their journey unfolds as they educate and promote the Macallan and other Speyside whiskies with zest and zeal