The Macallan – Rare Cask 2023 Release (70cl, 43%)

This is a single malt from The Macallan, bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It was made in collaboration with Charlie Burchill of Simple Minds, and the pair explored the links between sound, aroma, flavour and colour, with wood as the common thread. Burchill also had a guitar made from the same wood the distillery uses for its oak casks. The whisky matured in sherry casks. The colour is mahogany. The nose has soft vanilla and rich raisins, then sweet fresh apple, lemon and orange. The palate opens with intense raisin sweetness, moving to vanilla and dark chocolate with light citrus peel. The finish is long, rich and velvety.