MACALLAN Classic Cut 2020

The Macallan has released Classic Cut 2020 Edition, a higher strength single malt created to deliver a full and heightened flavour. As the fourth edition in the Classic Cut limited annual series, the 2020 release demonstrates The Macallan’s continuous quest to seek out the extraordinary and offers a remarkable flavour journey of discovery.

For the first time in the series, which is designed to offer a different flavour experience year on year, The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team had the freedom the explore The Macallan’s different cask types to create the peerless single malt. 

The Macallan Whisky Maker, Polly Logan used her skill and experience to craft the expression using a combination of sherry seasoned European oak casks and ex-bourbon American oak casks to create a single malt with a unique flavour and character.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: The Macallan Classic Cut 2020 is a deep, bright golden amber colour, full of warm nuances, denoting its time in oak casks. This radiant hue suggests meticulous maturation and rich extraction of the tannins and oils from the oak, which translate into a visually appealing whisky. As it moves around the glass, the colour reveals its intense body, inviting exploration of its sensorial complexities.

NOSE: As you approach the glass, the first to arrive is a set of enveloping aromas that balance sweetness and spice. The first notes of ripe fruit make themselves known: raisins, dried plums and a hint of caramelised apple, which intertwine with a subtle floral fragrance. As you go deeper, a layer of golden honey unfolds, soft and velvety, offering a feeling of warmth and welcome. Spices slowly emerge, such as a mix of cinnamon, ginger and a hint of nutmeg, which add a deeper and warmer dimension. Finally, there is a light but distinctive presence of oak wood, which adds complexity and depth without being overwhelming, giving a sense of balance.

TASTE: On the palate, the Macallan Classic Cut 2020 displays a rich and voluptuous texture, which feels dense but perfectly balanced. The entry is smooth but firm, with an initial attack reminiscent of dried fruits: raisins, dates and a hint of toasted almond. As the whisky develops, a sweet layer of honey and a delicate touch of toffee appear, which combines harmoniously with the dark cocoa notes, creating a sense of sophistication and elegance. The oak wood, subtle but present, brings a slight roughness that intertwines with the spices of cinnamon and clove, which provide a lingering warmth. This whisky has a solid structure, but never feels heavy, always maintaining an elegant balance between sweet, spicy and woody.