Macallan 18 Years Old 1974 Vintage 43% 1974

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (90)

Colour: amber. Nose: starts both fresher and fruitier than expected as well as less heavily sherried. It’s more flowery at first nosing, with heavy notes of peony mingling with tangerine liqueur and hints of old roses. Very elegant and very expressive, with a perfect balance. Whiffs of smoke. Gets then more classical with a little oak, raisins, orange marmalade, apricot cake… Also huge notes of ripe mirabelle plums, faint hints of ginger tonic and even grenadine syrup. And ripe strawberries, blackcurrant, prunes, a little toffee… Funny notes of black olives. Top notch.
Mouth: a beautifully dry attack, not as sweet and rounded as expected. Lots of tea, bitter caramel, balsamic vinegar… Rather powerful at 43%. Goes on with notes of cake, rum, Smyrna raisins… Not very complex in fact but beautifully compact and ‘crafted’. The raisins grow bigger by the minutes (so to speak). The finish is long, slightly bitter, dry and clean, with hints of calvados and a little salt. Classy stuff anyway.

BOW (92)

Macallan 18 Years Old 1974 Vintage: A Masterpiece from the Past

In the world of Scotch single malt whisky, Macallan is a name synonymous with excellence and craftsmanship. A remarkable expression from this legendary distillery is the Macallan 18 Years Old 1974 Vintage. This is a whisky that has withstood the test of time, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Bottled in 1992, the Macallan 18 Years Old 1974 Vintage is a tribute to the art of maturation and the use of sherry casks. This exceptional whisky has been matured in carefully selected sherry casks, imparting the depth, complexity, and rich flavors that Macallan is renowned for.

Upon opening the bottle, you are greeted with an enchanting nose. Aromas of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices blend harmoniously, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication. It's as if you are taking a step back in time, transported to the distillery in the 1970s.

When tasting this whisky, your palate is treated to a complexity of flavors. Rich notes of raisins, figs, and dark chocolate dance on your tongue, while hints of spices and oak unfold. The flavors are perfectly balanced, a testament to the careful maturation and attention to detail that went into every drop.

With an alcohol percentage of 43%, the Macallan 18 Years Old 1974 Vintage offers a smooth and silky texture, allowing the flavors to gradually unfold and showcase their full complexity. The finish is long-lasting and satisfying, with a touch of sweetness and the subtle presence of sherry lingering.

What makes this bottling even more special is that it was specifically bottled for Giovinetti Import. This adds a unique aspect to the whisky, making it a rare and sought-after item among collectors and whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

The Macallan 18 Years Old 1974 Vintage is not just a whisky; it is a masterpiece from the past that evokes admiration for the craftsmen who created it. Each sip takes you on a journey through time, allowing you to savor the rich history and craftsmanship of Macallan.

If you have the opportunity to taste this extraordinary whisky, seize it with both hands. It is an experience that will enchant you and remind you of the timeless allure of Macallan.