The 2017 edition of The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 Years Old, drawn from just three oloroso-seasoned casks and bottled at 44% ABV. It was limited to 465 bottles and was only the third non-vintage 40 year old in the distillery's history.
About This Whisky
The Macallan built this release from a European oak sherry butt, a European oak sherry hogshead and an American oak sherry butt, all seasoned with oloroso in Jerez. Each held spirit for at least 40 years. The three casks gave 465 bottles at 44%, with a natural deep copper colour. It followed a 2016 edition and has since been succeeded by the Red Collection 40 Years Old.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Sultanas with ginger and wood spice, then sweet cinnamon and citrus behind.
- Palate: Opens with soft cinnamon and quickly coats the mouth with date and fig, over dark chocolate and mature oak.
- Finish: Long and warm, with dried fruit, ginger and a gently drying oak close.
Serving & Food
Pour it neat into a copita and give it a quarter of an hour in the glass. Water is unnecessary. Keep the food simple: toasted pecans, Medjool dates, or dark chocolate with orange peel.
How to Enjoy
Collectors tracking Macallan's 40 year old releases, and a milestone bottle for a 40th anniversary.
Product Details
Producer: The Macallan
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Age: 40 years
Release: 2017 Sherry Oak
Casks: European oak sherry butt, European oak sherry hogshead, American oak sherry butt
Colour: Natural deep copper
Outturn: 465 bottles
ABV: 44%
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Macallan uses both European and American oak for its sherry casks, and both are seasoned in Jerez before they reach Scotland. European oak gives more tannin, spice and dried fruit, and a darker colour. American oak brings vanilla, citrus and a softer sweetness. Cask size matters too: a butt holds roughly twice as much as a hogshead, so whisky in a hogshead has more contact with the wood. Blending these types lets the whisky makers shape depth and balance. The 2017 release was presented under master distiller Nick Savage.