Macallan Douglais Laing Directors Cut 21 Years

Macallan Douglais Laing Directors' Cut 21 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Macallan Distillery, Scotland.
  • Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
  • Distillation Year: 1991.
  • Bottling Year: 2012.
  • Age Statement: 21 years.
  • ABV: 52.7%.
  • Maturation: Matured in a refill Hogshead cask, differing from the traditional ex-sherry casks commonly associated with Macallan. This indicates a transition similar to the Fine Oak series, utilizing more hogsheads and ex-bourbon casks.
  • Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is noted as unchill filtered and uncolored, suggesting a natural appearance.
  • Bottle Design: Not described, but the rarity and specific cask reference imply a distinctive presentation.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Nose: Fresh, fragrant, sweet, and fruity with a butter plus crushed sugar style.
  • Palate: Sweetly spiced and honeyed character with a barley sugar citric quality. The addition of water reveals more fruits, honey, and strong citron notes, with some spiciness and an oily, buttery component.
  • Finish: Medium-long, evolving from distinctly sweet to a tangy orange pith style, with a sweet dryness.

Whisky Storytelling

  • The Macallan Director's Cut from Douglas Laing is a rare edition with only 242 bottles released, making it a collector's item. Its maturation in a refill Hogshead cask for 21 years allows for a prolonged extraction of residual aromas, offering a unique profile distinct from Macallan's traditional sherry cask-matured whiskies.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Macallan is renowned for its rich history and traditional distillation methods, including the use of small stills that contribute to the whisky's intense character. This release showcases the distillery's versatility and the impact of cask selection on flavor development.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • Horst Luening describes the whisky as having a "fresh, fruity" nose with an "oily, buttery" palate, and a "sweet dryness" on the finish. He notes the distinctiveness of this Macallan due to its maturation process and compares it to the Fine Oak series, suggesting a preference for the latter.

Summary

  • A rare 21-year-old Macallan single malt Scotch whisky, matured in a refill Hogshead cask.
  • Exhibits a unique flavor profile with fresh, fruity, and sweetly spiced characteristics.
  • Part of a limited release by Douglas Laing, making it a sought-after collector's item.
  • Offers a different experience from traditional sherry cask-matured Macallans, appealing to enthusiasts interested in the distillery's range of expressions.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Whisky Collectors: Due to its rarity and unique maturation process, this whisky is highly recommended for collectors seeking distinctive and limited releases.
  • Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for nuanced and mature whiskies will appreciate the complex flavor profile and the craftsmanship involved in its production.
  • Fans of Non-Sherry Matured Whiskies: Ideal for whisky lovers looking to explore beyond the classic sherry cask-matured expressions, offering a glimpse into the versatility of Macallan's portfolio.