Macallan Cask Strength Red Label was bottled into the early 2000s but this particular bottle come from the late 90s and takes us one decade further down the path of the Macallan Cask Strength series we’re doing here on TWJ. Aged in 100% Oloroso casks and delivered at full cask strength this is one of the most beautiful expressions of what Macallan has to offer and if you ever see it one at a price you can live with grab it.
Though I will warn you. Most bottles of the Macallan Cask Strength Red Label I see these days go for $1,800 – $2,500; so don’t hold your breath for an “affordable” bottle. But if you do happen upon a “cheap one” I’d be a bit cautious and do your homework on it as Macallan is one of the most counterfeited whiskies on the market.
Anyways, on to the Macallan Cask Strength Red Label review!
Macallan Cask Strength Red Label Info
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Macallan
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Sherry
Age: NAS
ABV: 58.2%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller
Macallan Cask Strength Red Label Review
EYE
Ruby
NOSE
Raspberry and cherry heavy dark fruit, spice, roasted malt, citrus peels, nuts, cocoa and a touch of leather.
PALATE
Raspberry and cherry heavy dark fruit, spice, roasted malt, citrus peels, nuts, cocoa, toffee and a touch of leather.
FINISH
Long sweet fade of dark fruit, cocoa, toffee, nuts and citrus peels that fades to a sweet roasted malt.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, full body and a heavy oily feel
OVERALL
Macallan Cask Strength Red Label is a lovely whisky and like its 2000s era sibling, it’s a big ball of delicious. The aroma and palate both carry huge complex notes of juicy dark fruit and complex baking spice; think along the lines of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, etc. and you’ll get the idea. The finish ties everything up in a neat bow and continues the legacy started by the aroma.
It’s hard to ask for much more than what this whisky delivered. It was such a phenomenal sherry bomb that delivered on all fronts, including price. Which is why I mourn its loss a bit more than most of the once fine drams that have faded into the mists of history because the Macallan Cask Strength Red Label was such a tremendous value. Why Macallan… WHY?!?
SCORE: 91/100 (A-)
