Macallan 16yo 1995 (53%, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 24.122)

On the undiluted nose there are some fragrant notes along with some sweetness and some dried fruit (apricots, peaches, apples – think concentrated). Following these delights are some very good dusty malt notes (like being in a malt barn) and the sweetness and the dusty malt work very well together. With water the concentrated oak flavours are still quite evident (& still good). The undiluted taste is from the oak side of the flavour spectrum with lots of spicy characteristics and it’s very dry; like a dry aperitif perhaps? There’s also some grapefruit and some chewy malt. With a splash of water things calm down some what but there are still lots of flavour and it remains true to the undiluted sample. The finish is good and reflects the nose and the taste very well; it’s long and vibrant. The grapefruit (& malt) makes an appearance also just to add some colour to the finish.

Quite different from the officials bottlings and an interesting addition to any malt lovers mileage. Only 120 bottles imported into the USA (The total outturn is not specified).

$120

Score 81 points

To order (& to join) contact the Society at 1 800 990 1991 or www.smwsa.com and please visit HERE to read the official notes. Sample kindly provided by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America. Sample  two of four this week.