Macallan – Rare Cask Red Batch 2023 (70cl, 43%)

This is the 2023 batch of the Macallan Rare Cask series, a Speyside single malt bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It has no added colour. The whisky was composed from hand-selected oak casks previously seasoned with sherry. The batch drew on a volume equal to 50 sherry butts, chosen for its natural ruby-mahogany colour, concentrated raisin fruit and rich, velvety texture. This edition is a collaboration with Charlie Burchill of Simple Minds, linking the wood used in instruments with the casks used for whisky. The nose shows soft vanilla and rich raisins, with fresh apple, lemon and orange. Sweet raisins turn to vanilla and dark chocolate on the palate. The finish is long, rich and velvety.