This is the 2000s bottling of the Macallan Cask Strength and was the last version of the MCS to be seen in the market; its death was mourned by whisky and Macallan fans the world over. It was arguably the best thing, within a reasonable price, that Macallan had in their lineup.
It was pure tragedy to see it leave and maybe someday they’ll come to their senses and bring it back. Though based on their current pricing it’ll probably carry a $200+ price tag which kills the “reasonable price” part. On second thought, maybe it’s better it stays dead…
On to the Macallan Cask Strength review.
Macallan Cask Strength Info
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Macallan
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Sherry
Age: NAS
ABV: 60.1%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller
Macallan Cask Strength Review
EYE
Ruby
NOSE
Nuts, raspberry, cocoa, leather, rich dark fruit, oily spice, graham and a touch herbal.
PALATE
Nuts, cocoa, dark fruit, leather, caramel, oily spice, graham and a touch of anise.
FINISH
Long fade of dark fruit, caramel, leather and dark fruit.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, full body and a heavy oily feel
OVERALL
Macallan Cask Strength is a great whisky. Rich, oily and full of that dense dark sherry character that sherry-bomb lovers go gaga for. Aroma is heady and thick with a dark sherry character that almost borders on savory. That same dark heavy character moves into the palate and continues through the finish as it slowly dissipates from the senses.
I know Macallan is being stingy with their sherry casks so they can put out overpriced crap like the Rare Cask. Sure it’s more profitable than putting out a solid cask strength heavily sherried whisky, but I don’t see how it will help brand reputation in the long run. They should really consider bringing back the Macallan Cask Strength as a yearly release, it would be a crowd pleaser for sure.
SCORE: 90/100 (A-)
Macallan Cask Strength Review - Score Breakdown
Summary
Macallan Cask Strength is a great whisky, wish it was still around.
Overall
- Nose - 90
- Palate - 90
- Finish - 90
- Balance, Body & Feel - 90
When I used to drink, Macallan Cask strength was the only whiskey I would have. I mixed it about 25% with distilled water and it was like magic entering your mouth with infinitely changing flavors and sensations with that first sip. I strongly dislike La Froig and almost tolerate Glenfiddich but Balvenie was an ok second in my mind.
Cheers George!
You just had to do a review of this! I am constantly haunted by the thick and complex beauty of this wonderful whisky. Why did it have to go away?!? I keep looking for it in stores, hoping to get a glimpse, but no, it’s not to be. Time lessens the pain some, but I still can’t find any replacement. Damn you, Macallan!!!
I agree. DAMN YOU MACALLAN!!!
Sherry finish always makes a great whisk(e)y. I feel like it’s the distillers equivalent to truffle oil or nacho cheese. Now you’ve got me searching for MCS.
This wasn’t finished, it was 100% aged, but your analogy is spot on for finished stuff. Cheers Judd!
Look at how dark it is! Never had it, and probably never will. A shame considering how much I enjoy their standard 12 year product.
It’s insanely dark, I hope they bring it back at some point. Cheers Ian!
No E150?
Supposedly not. 100% quality sherry casks.