The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
The Macallan has released Double Cask 30 Years Old into the coveted Double Cask range. The new aged single malt whisky in the distinctive Double Cask flavor profile exhibits a rich depth of flavor and a complex character that tells the story of a journey which brings together two different worlds.
The Double Cask journey begins in the vast green forests of northern Spain and southern France, where The Macallan sources its European oak. New oak from the lush forests of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky in America is also transported to Spain. Both types are hand crafted into casks and toasted over an open-air fire in the cooperages of Jerez before being filled with the finest sherry wine and left to season for up to 18 months.
Once seasoned, the casks travel to The Macallan Estate in Speyside where they are filled with new-make spirit. Following years of slumber, The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team used their skill and expertise to select the best balance of spirit from both the American and European oak casks to create Double Cask.
The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old has matured for 30 years in a harmonious union of sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, to create a sweeter, warmer taste and character. The sherry seasoned American oak imparts delicate, sweet flavors, while the European oak delivers the subtle and classic style of The Macallan.
“The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old is a modern take on our classic 30-year-old and is an exceptional aged single malt. With a rich combination and depth of flavor and a complex character, it is a whisky to be savored, exhibiting notes of cinder toffee, fresh honeycomb, rich vanilla and red apples,” said Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan. “The Macallan Double Cask brings together sherry seasoned American and European oak casks to create the perfect balance of flavors. It is the oak that gives the whisky its natural color and is the single greatest contributor to the quality, distinctive aromas and flavors.”
The Macallan has collaborated with acclaimed American artist and photographer, Erik Madigan Heck to showcase the signature tastes and unique and distinctive flavor profile of Double Cask 30 Years Old. Heck shares many of The Macallan’s values including nature, legacy, artistry, creativity and craftsmanship. Taking his inspiration from the natural landscape on The Macallan Estate and the complex flavors and natural color of the whisky, he captured powerful imagery evoking the single malt’s character in a unique and contemporary way.
Heck’s incredible photography set features three striking compositions: a collection of ‘abstract leaves’ from an oak tree which like the whisky itself strikes the perfect balance of modesty and complexity; an image of a ‘blue tree’ representing Double Cask 30 Years Old’s simple yet rich and complex character; and a remarkable still life, reminiscent of the great Flemish still life paintings from the 17thcentury which depicts the vibrant colors and varying textures of the flavors in the whisky.
“Nature lies at the heart of my work, and I was greatly inspired by the breath-taking natural landscape on The Macallan Estate. I was drawn to an oak tree and its leaves which provided the perfect subjects to evoke the seemingly simply, yet rich and complex character of Double Cask 30 Years Old and to depict the natural color of the whisky,” said Erik Madigan Heck. “I also created a still life image featuring vibrant colors and varying textures to portray the whisky’s luscious flavors while natural light captures its depth of character. The whisky’s golden acorn natural color provides the focal point of the shot, and its rich tone and translucent glow influenced the color palette of the piece as a whole” said Erik Madigan Heck.
Displaying a natural golden acorn hue, The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old imparts aromas of fresh honeycomb, sweet toffee, red apple, fig and vanilla pod. On the palate there is a smooth melody of cinnamon, ginger, Madagascan vanilla, dried fruits and oak flavors, while the finish delivers sweet oak, soft spice and toffee.
The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old is encased in a luxurious solid oak presentation box and will be available globally starting in September 2021 for a suggested retail price of $4,000.
