Macallan 1991 20 Year old Hart Brothers

The Macallan distillery was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid and was operated from the original buildings of Macallan farm. At the time it was named Elchies distillery after a nearby estate. The distillery changed ownership a number of times during its early days and stability came only when Roderick Kemp took control in 1892; under Kemp the distillery was renamed Macallan-Glenlivet. The Kemp family retained control of Macallan until 1994 when it was sold to a consortium of the Japanese Suntory Group and the Highland Distillers Group. In 1999 the distillery became part of the Edrington Group who are the current owners (excepting the 25% share held by Suntory). In 1980 the distillery’s name was changed to Macallan and the decision was taken to concentrate on producing premium quality single malt whisky rather than whisky for blending purposes. Many in the whisky trade thought this was a mistake but as we all know the decision has proved to be a great success. This particular Macallan was distilled in June 1991, matured in a first-fill sherry butt and bottled in October 2011 by Hart Brothers.

The nose is sweet, fruity and distinctly rubbery. There are orange peel, peaches as well as vanilla. Hints of coffee and wood notes round the nose off.

The palate is medium-bodied and soft. Peaches are accompanied by prunes and raisins, followed by notes of caramel and vanilla.

The finish is of medium length and rather dry. At the end the whole becomes very spicy and peppery.

This is a nicely fruity Macallan but it is a tad too rubbery for my taste. Also, I miss the balance and gracefulness of the sherry- cask matured original bottlings.

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