Whisky Focus - The Macallan Rare Cask Black

Introducing the dark and smoky Macallan Rare Cask Black travel retail exclusive.

The Macallan fans amongst you will recall that this summer the distillery launched The Macallan Rare Cask here in the UK well you will be pleased to hear that it is now being joined by a travel retail exclusive expression called The Macallan Rare Cask Black.

The Macallan Rare Cask Black joins the Macallan 1824 Masters Series, intriguingly the distillery describe it as being a dark, smoky and an unexpected Macallan. The Macallan are not known for producing smoky whiskies and the reason this whisky is smoky is that it has been crafted predominately using First Fill sherry seasoned oak casks which contained extremely rare Macallan peated whisky of which there are less than 100 casks maturing at The Macallan distillery.

Due to the number of cask types involved and the length of time taken to identify them, The Macallan tell me that it has taken longer to create Rare Cask Black than any other expression of The Macallan. They tell me that many of the casks used to create Rare Cask Black are extremely scarce although they haven't went into details about these casks, I am certain this will appeal to many Macallan whisky connoisseurs and collectors, it certainly appeals to me.

The man behind the new travel retail Rare Cask Black is Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno who commented: "Rare Cask Black tells a different story about our spirit and casks, but more than that it tells a story of rarity. Smoky Macallan is rare, there is very little in existence and once used these casks will be no more. This is a whisky which is out of character for The Macallan due to the subtle seam of smoke on the palate, but it still bears the essential Macallan DNA.

"The Macallan Rare Cask Black is truly extraordinary unlike any other Macallan today. It is a Macallan with a surprisingly yet subtle distinctive smoky flavour. This unexpected flavour still delivers the full bodied richness of the spirit’s DNA from 100% sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, of which most are first fill."

The Macallan describe it as having an intensity of flavour from a timeless thread of peat smoke, it combines dried fruits, nutmeg, ginger and beautifully polished oak plus dates, figs and raisins, heavy but sweet. A dry smokiness reveals itself yielding to softer oak tones. The finish is long, fruity with an elegant wood smoke.

Rare Cask Black also signals a bold departure from The Macallan's traditional look. Presented in a unique, travel retail exclusive, premium all-black bottle and box which bestows Rare Cask Black with a visual identity that mirrors the spirit’s unexpected flavour profile.

Bottled at 48% ABV and non-chill filtered, Rare Cask Black is exclusive to Global Travel Retail with a RRP of £300/$450 and will be available from selected airports around the world.

If you wont be passing through the airport anytime soon you will find the full Macallan whisky range available from specialist Whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange
 

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