The Macallan Fine & Rare 1988
This 23-year-old single malt, matured in a sherry hogshead, offers a lighter and more elegant profile than traditional, heavy Macallans. It is characterized by vibrant notes of citrus, orchard fruits, and vanilla, balanced by a delicate touch of polished oak and malt.
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Cask Information
The cask used for The Macallan Fine & Rare 1988 is the defining element of this expression’s unique profile. This specific whisky was matured for 23 years in a single Sherry Hogshead, identified as Cask No. 12202. A hogshead typically holds around 250 liters, which is smaller than the more common sherry butt. This smaller size results in a higher ratio of wood-to-liquid contact, allowing for a more focused and controlled maturation process over more than two decades in the Speyside warehouses.
What distinguishes this particular cask is its subtle influence on the spirit. The whisky’s “Barley Yellow” tint indicates that this was likely a refill cask or made of American oak. Unlike first-fill European oak casks that impart deep mahogany colors and heavy dried fruit notes, Cask 12202 allowed the distillery’s delicate “new make” characteristics to shine. Instead of dominant sherry spices, the wood provided refined layers of vanilla, bright citrus, and soft oak tannins. The whisky was bottled directly from this single cask at a natural strength of 46.7% ABV, ensuring that the pure, unadulterated influence of the wood remained intact without chill-filtration or added coloring.
| ABV | 46,7% |
|---|---|
| Volume | 700 ML |
| Distilled | 1988 |
| Bottled | 2011 |
| Amount of bottles | 251 |
| Country | |
| Region | |
| Age |
The cask used for The Macallan Fine & Rare 1988 is the defining element of this expression’s unique profile. This specific whisky was matured for 23 years in a single Sherry Hogshead, identified as Cask No. 12202. A hogshead typically holds around 250 liters, which is smaller than the more common sherry butt. This smaller size results in a higher ratio of wood-to-liquid contact, allowing for a more focused and controlled maturation process over more than two decades in the Speyside warehouses.
What distinguishes this particular cask is its subtle influence on the spirit. The whisky’s “Barley Yellow” tint indicates that this was likely a refill cask or made of American oak. Unlike first-fill European oak casks that impart deep mahogany colors and heavy dried fruit notes, Cask 12202 allowed the distillery’s delicate “new make” characteristics to shine. Instead of dominant sherry spices, the wood provided refined layers of vanilla, bright citrus, and soft oak tannins. The whisky was bottled directly from this single cask at a natural strength of 46.7% ABV, ensuring that the pure, unadulterated influence of the wood remained intact without chill-filtration or added coloring.
Fresh Fruit
Sweet
Tasting Note
Nose:
The aroma is fresh and vibrant, dominated by bright citrus fruits such as lemon and orange. In the background, soft notes of vanilla and clean oak emerge, complemented by subtle hints of banana and green apples.
Palate:
On the palate, the whisky begins with a distinct woodiness that quickly gives way to fresh citrus and sweet oak. The texture is smooth and refined, supported by a rich, malty base that perfectly balances the fruity characteristics.
Finish:
The finish is medium in length with a sophisticated, drying character. It leaves a lasting impression of fruity nuances and delicate oak, providing an elegant and clean conclusion to the tasting experience.
