The second oldest Macallan I’ve had the pleasure to taste, the oldest distilled in 1966 and being absolutely phenomenal.
With a bit of internet sleuthing, it appears this bottle comes from hogshead 7821 owned by Michael Crowther — one of the former directors Moray Firth Maltings. The label states the malt was sourced from Crowther’s own maltings. On his son’s 18th birthday, the hogshead was given as a gift and then arranged to be bottled once it hit 25 years of age. “It is a spirit meant to be enjoyed as it was made — in friendship.”
Whisky: The Macallan 25 Years (1984), The Crowther Macdougall
Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside
Cask: Sherry Hogshead
ABV: 48.1%
Age: 25 Years
Visually, extremely dark cola color. Practically cola concentrate.
Dark, rich fruit stew on the nose. Dark chocolate and raisins. Getting a bit of mint or menthol, a freshness in the background, mixed with herbs or fresh tobacco. Orange zest and cloves.
The palate is thinner than I’d like, but it’s deeply rich in dark fruits — raisins, prunes, dates. Wrapped in pie crust. A side of dark chocolate squares. Some cola notes to match the color. Dark fruit reduction. Baking spices and biscuits. A touch of musty, creamy cheese. Like many Macallans, I find it salty.
The finish features ginger and baking spices. PX over a true Basque cheesecake, heavy on the burnt cheese “crust”.
It is really very lovely, if a bit thin. Well-composed with a few detours for interest. A decadent dram, that could use a bit more oomph behind it. Wouldn’t mind lounging around with this one on a luxurious Friday night.
Rating: 4/5
Mental Image: Velveteen big money laughs.