Macallan 10 years old - For Giovinetti & Figli Milano - 57%
Picture taken somewhere in the black forest
Originating from the late 80's, this liquid fuels hopes. The fact that this was chosen for the Italian market and Italy (and France) knew how to appreciate a fine malt (and rum) long before Germany, also plays into our hands.
Nose
'Una fartiva lagrima' runs down our cheeks the first moment it hits our system, suggesting why Macallan globally attained such recognition and fame. That definitely started before all this premiumisation circus. Goodness, this is just fabulous! The bouquet is a super elegant composition of jasmin and orange blossoms, hazelnuts, almond paste and noble woods, accentuated by a slight freshness of Crème de Menthe. Indeed, it feels like sitting in a Garden on a mild summer evening in Verona. With water: Oh boy, even better now. It's becoming creamier, more floral and kinda buttery, like some flavorsome pastry. Elegance and deliciousness walk hand in hand here.
Palate
Not as sweet and gentle as the nose suggested, but full-bodied and super rich. It's almost bold, with a pleasant bitterness of walnuts, carob and a cool freshness of mentholated chocolate. The second sip reveals hazelnuts, candied orange peels and sultanas. The heaviness is just astonishing. Now compare this with their modern 10 year old Fine Oak expression. Not sure whether to laugh or to cry. With some drops of aqua: Just wow. The boldness turned into greater richness and creaminess, with additional notes of raspberry sorbet and a few drops of lemon oil joining the party.
Finish
Together with a taste of cedar wood, the walnut bitterness and a lovely raspberry sourness are occupying the whole palate in dimensions of a century. Ten years old whisky, remember?
Rating
Sherry casks from Jerez are hard to top ladies and gents. Especially when they were filled with the finest sherry for two years. This ain't no five weeks seasoning! So far it's one of the best 10 years old malts we've ever had. We could interpret the youthful forcefulness as a small backdraw, but a few drops of water work wonders. Lovely old school sherrymalt stunner. Grazie mille Antonio for granting us a few sips of this ragaza.
