Macallan 18 y.o. 1986?

[kimon]

I found an 1986 18y Macallan at my local liquor store, which surprised me since I thought that 18y Macallan get released odd numbered years only (1985, 1983, 1981 ...etc).
I checked the Macallan website, and they're selling the 1985 with no mention of an '86 bottle.

I would assume the Macallan website would be selling the newest bottle before a small liquor store in Florida.

So, my question is: is this a fake or is my understanding that Macallan only releases odd numbered years completely wrong? (or both?)

[whiskyjack7]

MACALLAN must release every year I have a bottle dated 18 years from 1980 and 1979 ,1983, hope this helps

[Lawrence]

In MJ's latest book, the 5th edition he has tasting notes for the 18 starting in 1963 and covering every year up to 1984 however for some reason he does not score or mention 1979.

[Admiral]

Macallan have in fact released an 18yo every year - there is no rule or practice of keeping it only to the odd-numbered years.

However, I understand that the 1985 heralded a major change. Previously, the 18yo releases stated on the label that the whisky was distilled in that year, i.e. the 1984 contained whisky from vattings that were all distilled in 1984.

However, the 1985 (apparently) states that the whisky was distilled in 1985 or earlier - i.e. there is now whisky OLDER than 18 years in the vatting.


I haven't seen this for myself yet, I only heard about it somewhere, so apologies if my assertions above are incorrect!

Cheers,
Admiral

[Stephen]

The Macallan has released 1986 18y
http://www.whisky.de/celtic/suche.asp?page=3&sucheart=0
SPMA8600 Macallan 1986 18 J. 43% # 82,00 € NEU!

The Macallan website doesn't mention of 1986 bottle, because there are many stocks of 1985 , so they have to promo 1985.

My friend tells that the agents in taiwan of the Macallan had imported 1986 18y, but they have some stocks of 1985, so they has not yet display 1986 18y in their store.

[kimon]

So, I was mistaken in my assumption.

Which means that I should go back there and pick it up.
I feel an urge to compare it to the '85 Macallan (for scientific purposes).

Thanks everyone

[whiskyjack7]

my bottle of 18 year old from1979 label says distilled 1979 bottled 1997...
.. the 1980 bottled 1998 .
. this is a label on the neck
then the main label years 18 years

the 1983 new label the 1983 is larger
the neck label only reads the MACALLAN
Main label reads exclusively matured in selected sherry oak casks from JEREZ all are 43% alc. 750ml I got all from the L.C.B.O. each year, cost at $139.00 each . Have really enjoyed trying all ,,my inventroy down only about 4 drams of the 1979. full 1980 and 1 full and about 6 drams of the 1983