Macallan 21 Years Old fine Oak 3 Barrel Label with Ribbon 43% NV

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Serge Valentin (85)

Still ‘triple cask matured’ (European oak casks seasoned with sherry, American oak casks seasoned with sherry and American oak casks seasoned with bourbon) but now with a label seasoned with a genuine ribbon similar to what they had on much older bottlings (1938, anyone?). There would be much to say about all that but we haven’t gotten enough time these days… Better like that! Colour: gold. Nose: not very big, even a tad shy at first nosing and slightly cardboardy. Certainly some hay, oatcakes, light honey, touches of sherry… Then a little green tea, leaves, raw potatoes… It’s all rather discreet and relatively subtle. Mouth: I like it much better on the palate. More oomph, a faint winy side, a little toffee, hazelnuts, marzipan, marmalade, hints of wormwood, liquorice, orange cake… Then a little more oak but everything’s under control. Finish: medium long, with more spices from the oak. Comments: the nose is shy but the palate is appealing. I think this version of the 21 is nicer than the early batches.