The Macallan 1948 Select Reserve

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 6 by Michael Jackson and Jim Murray.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Sherry not obvious – fino? Leafy, peaty, woody. Palate An altogether more elegant, wistful, style than today's Macallans. Some sweetness and floweriness, but the outstanding feature is an astonishingly fresh peat-smoke flavour. Finish Gentle but lingering and warming, leaving smoky memories. Comment Paler in colour and lighter in body, but what a palate...great Speyside whiskies once tasted like this.

Jim Murray Nose A subtle hint of sandalwood, polished oak and sweet pipe smoke is no match for the extraordinary, ripe plum fruitiness and crystal-clear sweet malt. Quite exhilarating. Palate Deep and spiced with aged oak from the off. Massively dry through the middle but there are some richer, digestive biscuity malt notes which ensure stability. Finish Bitter-sweet, slightly salty, waxily honied and smoky. The oaky notes are the ones which last longest. Comment This is just a shade over-aged unlike the 1946. Even so, the intense, complex middle does offer certain riches. The nose is exceptional.