[Review] The Macallan - 30 years old Halcyon Spirits 49.8%

Something very special today with the launch of a new independent bottler: Halcyon Spirits

This family-owned independent bottling brand, based in Aberdeenshire, was developed by brothers Daniel and Craig Milne, who also co-founded global auction platform Whisky Hammer and whisky e-retailer Still Spirit.

Picture courtesy of Halcyon Spirits

And their first release is definitely not one to miss with a 30 year-old single cask from Macallan, distilled in 1993 and matured in a first-fill sherry cask!

Halcyon Spirits were kind enough to send me a sample to review, so here goes!


My tasting notes:


Nose: Rich, nutty, oak, raisin, slight citrus (orange), walnut, creamy macadamia, prunes, wood polish, hints of smoke, vanilla fudge, oak spice and rum-soaked raisins, a little liquorice root too.


Palate: Dark and oaky, quite powerful and concentrated for under 50% abv, spicy dried fruit, dark roast coffee and nutmeg. Quite tannic. There is also a fresher side to it with hints of orange blossom and peach.


Finish: Long & drying, oak spices again and coffee beans, dark orange marmalade, hints of liquorice, dried figs, hazelnuts.


With water: The nose is sweeter with more dried fruit & some orange and chocolate notes. The palate feels fruitier & spicier, clove infused sultanas. The finish gains some tobacco leaves, candied orange peels and nutmeg.


What an experience! This is an experience of a dram and definitely what I’d be after in terms of flavours for an older sherried whisky! Wow!


As I mentioned above, the Macallan 30 Year Old has been matured in a first fill sherry cask and bottled by Halcyon Spirits at 49.8% ABV cask strength. Priced at £2,950 per bottle, only 238 bottles are available for purchase online via the Halcyon Spirits website.


Thanks again to Halcyon Spirits for the sample!


Slàinte all!

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