Macallan Rare Cask Original Release 20142018 1824 Masters Series

Features

Description

The Macallan Rare Cask Original Release is the first generation of Rare Cask, introduced in 2014 as part of The Macallan's premium 1824 Masters Series. This is the important distinction: this is not one of the later numbered Rare Cask batches. The original Rare Cask was produced from 2014 until 2018, when the 1824 Series was discontinued and Macallan transformed Rare Cask into the numbered small batch releases we know today.

Macallan whisky maker Bob Dalgarno selected whisky from 16 different cask stylesat the time, reportedly the greatest number Macallan had brought together in a single expression. The maturation incorporated both Spanish and American oak, with a particularly high proportion of first-fill sherry-seasoned casks.

Macallan's original packaging goes even further, stating that the casks selected represented less than 1% of the casks maturing at The Macallan Distillery,wording that is also documented on contemporary listings of this original release. Tasting Notes Colour: Deep mahogany with rich reddish amber tones.

Nose: Classic sherried Macallan. Vanilla and raisins lead into apple, lemon and orange, followed by increasingly aromatic notes of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Palate: Rich and oak-driven, with dried fruit, sultanas and raisins alongside vanilla, dark chocolate and citrus zest. Ginger and nutmeg provide spice while the sherry-seasoned oak gives the whisky its weight and depth.

Finish: Long, warming and woody, with lingering vanilla, chocolate, citrus, oak and spice. Technical Details Distillery: The MacallanExpression: Rare Cask Original ReleaseSeries: 1824 Masters SeriesRelease Period: 20142018Country: ScotlandRegion: SpeysideWhisky Type: Single Malt Scotch WhiskyAge Statement: NoneCask Programme: 16 different cask stylesOak: Spanish & American oakCask Influence: High proportion of first-fill sherry-seasoned oakCasks Selected: Less than 1% of casks maturing at Macallan, according to the original release presentationWhisky Maker: Bob DalgarnoABV: 43%Bottle Size: 750mlNatural Colour: YesPresentation: Burgundy gatefold presentation caseStatus: Discontinued Collector's Note The original Rare Cask was first launched in the United States in October 2014, before being introduced to the UK in 2015.

It formed part of Macallan's higher end1824 Masters Series and remained in that format until the entire 1824 range was discontinued in 2018. After that, Rare Cask changed substantially. Macallan retained the name but moved to individually identified batches, beginning with Batch No. 1 2018. The numbered releases therefore shouldn't be confused with this earlier bottling.

Why We Like It Modern Rare Cask is still very good whisky. But this is the Rare Cask that came before all the Batch No. 1, Batch No. 2, 2020 Release, 2021 Release business. It's the original interpretation: 16 different cask styles, Spanish and American oak, a heavy emphasis on first-fill sherry casks and selection from less than 1% of Macallan's maturing stock.

It's also unmistakably Macallan. Raisins, orange, chocolate, vanilla, warming spice and polished oak, precisely the sort of profile that built the distillery's reputation with sherry-cask whisky.