Whisky Review/Tasting: Macallan 1994 Speymalt G&M

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Macallan Distillery, Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in a mix of cask types, including potentially hogsheads and fresh sherry casks, for 20 years. The exact cask composition is not specified, but the whisky is not heavily sherry-driven, indicating a balanced use of cask types.
Age Statement: 20 years (distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2014).
Color and Clarity: Light, akin to white wine, indicating it is not heavily influenced by sherry casks. The whisky is uncolored, presenting its natural hue.
Bottle Design: The Speymalt series used to feature a textile rope on the bottle for distinction, which has been replaced by a red part of the label symbolizing the rope.

Aroma: Fresh tropical fruit aromas with subtle beeswax and aniseed notes.
Palate: Begins peppery with ripe banana and charred oak flavors, evolving into a complex intermix of tropical fruits.
Finish: Smooth and creamy with a lingering milk chocolate aroma.
Balance and Comparison: The whisky strikes a balance between distillery character and cask influence, avoiding the dominance of heavy sherry casks. It is lighter and more fruit-forward compared to heavily sherried Macallans, showcasing the distillery's character alongside the cask maturation.

Gordon & MacPhail (G&M): An independent bottler with over 130 years of history, known for bottling single malt whiskies from distilleries like Macallan. Macallan no longer sells casks to outside companies, making independent bottlings like this increasingly rare.
Speymalt Series: A range of aged Macallan single malts selected and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, with vintages dating back to 1966. The series is known for its quality and the careful selection of casks.

Macallan Distillery: Located in Speyside, Scotland, Macallan is renowned for its small stills and the intense aromas they produce. The distillery's decision to retain all casks for its own bottlings reflects its commitment to quality and the high demand for its products.

"This whisky might not be a Oloroso or Pedro Ximenez Sherry cask because it's too light for 20 years of age." - Horst Luening, indicating the nuanced cask strategy behind this Speymalt.
"Sometimes if you have these heavy sherry casks, then the sherry casks are far too heavy and they cover all the distillery character." - Luening, on the balance of cask influence.

A 20-year-old Macallan single malt, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2014.
Matured in a balanced mix of casks, showcasing a light, fruit-forward profile.
Features tropical fruit aromas, a peppery palate with ripe banana and charred oak, and a smooth, creamy finish.
Represents a harmonious balance between distillery character and cask maturation.
Part of the Speymalt series, highlighting the rarity and quality of independent bottlings of Macallan.

For the Collector: The rarity and unique story behind this independent bottling make it a must-have.
For the Scotch Enthusiast: Those interested in experiencing the nuanced balance between distillery character and cask influence will find this whisky particularly engaging.
For the Novice: While this may be on the pricier side for beginners, its approachable flavor profile makes it a worthy exploration for those looking to expand their palate.