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The Macallan unveils the Double Cask 30 Years Old
By Tempus | 2 October 2021 | Food & Drink
The famed distillery’s new expression has been aged in a mix of sherry seasoned American and European oak casks
Last week, world-renowned Scotch whisky brand The Macallan unveiled the latest in its coveted Double Cask range: the Double Cask 30 Years Old.
The new aged single malt whisky in the distinctive Double Cask flavour profile exhibits a rich depth of flavour and a complex character, having been matured for 30 years in a mix of sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, to create a sweeter, warmer taste.
Displaying a natural golden 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 flavours, while the finish delivers sweet oak, soft spice and toffee.
To hear the distillery tell it, the Double Cask journey begins in the "vast green forests of northern Spain and southern France, where The Macallan sources its European oak", before "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 sherry wine and left to season for up to 18 months.
Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “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 flavour and a complex character, it is a whisky to be savoured, exhibiting notes of cinder toffee, fresh honeycomb, rich vanilla and red apples.
“The Macallan Double Cask brings together sherry seasoned American and European oak casks to create the perfect balance of flavours. It is the oak that gives the whisky its natural colour and is the single greatest contributor to the quality, distinctive aromas and flavours.”
To mark the launch, The Macallan has collaborated with acclaimed American artist and photographer Erik Madigan Heck to showcase the flavour profile of the spirit. Taking his inspiration from the natural landscape on The Macallan Estate and the complex flavours and natural colour of the whisky, he captured powerful imagery depicting its flavours and textures in a unique and contemporary way.
Erik Madigan Heck said: “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 colour of the whisky.
“I also created a still life image featuring vibrant colours and varying textures to portray the whisky’s luscious flavours while natural light captures its depth of character. The whisky’s golden acorn natural colour provides the focal point of the shot, and its rich tone and translucent glow influenced the colour palette of the piece as a whole.”
The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old is encased in a luxurious solid oak presentation box and has an RRSP of US$4,000. It will be available at The Macallan Boutiques, premium bars and restaurants and premium specialist retailers globally from September 2021.