Macallan 12 Years Old (1980's Botteling) 43% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (89)

Colour: amber. Nose: this popular old version is in a completely different league, with the typical sherry notes upfront as well as the same kind of grassiness as in the 7, only much more refined and elegant. Whiffs of old books (no mouldiness, though) and then old roses and high-end perfume (your pick). A lady’s perfume of course. Quite some smoke again, much more smoke than in recent bottlings for sure. Coal stove. Beautiful nose. Mouth: oh yes, this is nice whisky. It’s not very big but complex and kind of ‘antiquated’, with some sweet/leathery notes, crystallised orange zests, marmalade, Indian soft spice mix (we’ll spare you the maltoporn here), deep-roasted coffee, praline, herbal tea (a mix again)… Beautiful palate, very complex. Many whisky lovers came to maltmania with this one – no wonder! Finish: medium long but still complex, maybe a little more ‘toasted’ and smoky. Comments: utterly classic and classy.