Macallan 18 Year Old distilled in 1979 and bottled in 1997, in the 750mL size released for the United States. It was matured in sherry oak casks from Jerez and bottled at 43% ABV.
About This Whisky
This 18 Year Old comes from spirit distilled in 1979, which spent 18 years in sherry oak and was bottled in 1997 for the US market. The 750mL bottle is the one to look for from that release. Its house notes centre on dried fruit, ginger and toffee, with orange and clove from the casks. The 1979 distillation is also the vintage behind the first Gran Reserva, which is worth knowing if you are tasting across the range.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Dried fruit, stem ginger and toffee, lifted by orange, clove and a little nutmeg.
- Palate: Raisin and sultana with caramel and vanilla, then wood spice and a zesty citrus edge.
- Finish: Warm oak spice and ginger, turning to sweet orange.
Serving & Food
Room temperature, in a Glencairn or copita. A teaspoon of still water softens the spice and brings the orange forward. Enjoy it with orange-glazed duck, pecan pie, or aged cheddar and oatcakes.
How to Enjoy
Anyone marking 1979, and drinkers comparing the standard 18 with the Gran Reserva from the same year.
Product Details
Producer: The Macallan
Distillery: The Macallan, Easter Elchies, Speyside
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Range: Sherry Oak
Vintage / Bottling: Distilled 1979, bottled 1997
Age: 18 years
Cask Type: Sherry oak
ABV: 43%
Volume: 750mL
About the Distillery
Wood is where The Macallan spends its effort. The distillery's oak is felled mainly in the forests of northern Spain and in North America, then made into casks by coopers in Jerez. Each cask is filled with sherry and seasoned for about 18 months before it is emptied and shipped to Speyside, where it receives new make spirit. Macallan has said that these casks account for around 60 per cent of its whisky's flavour, and a dedicated Master of Wood oversees how they are sourced, toasted and seasoned.