Spirit Type: Whisky

Country: Scotland

ABV: 40%

Bottle Size: 1L

Description:

Since The Macallan hasn't been on these pages in a while, I'm using a generous taste of one of the (many) NAS that the Edrington-based company just released to catch up.

This particular bottling, as is frequently the case with the distillery, is a part of a themed series that recalls the search (thus the name) for the greatest casks to produce the priceless liquid we all like.

This range, which was first launched in 2017 for the Travel Product offerings in a litre version as well, consists of the four labels Enigma, Lumina, Terra, and Quest, which gives it its name.

The least expensive bottle of the quartet, made from four different types of barrels, including ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry, the latter of which was aged in hogsheads from both the United States and Europe.

Besides marketing, The Macallan's almost obsessive focus on the selection of casks is a curious trait, regardless of the ultimate product, which hasn't always won me over but is unquestionably a plus of their goods.

The scents of pineapple, pinkish grapefruit, wild strawberries, blueberries, and plum are suspended between those of tropical and red fruit regardless of the low alcohol concentration. The nose is extremely energetic despite this, but not to the point where it overpowers the aromas. The flavours of vanilla & honey are muted, the acidity is more acidic than gentle, and a distinct mineral vein appears down the length. Like a Macallan, it is unexpectedly crisp and fresh.

It has a light body on the tongue and a faintly spicy flavour (pepper and a hint of anise) that presents the fruity aromas of the scent. The flavour then turns more citrus-like and dry, with a backdrop of honey, vanilla, and malt. Along the duration, green notes with hints of tropical and citrus flavours frequently predominate atop a carpet of spicy aromas.

The aftertaste is relatively brief and spicy, with hints of herbaceous flavours, malt, citrus, and red fruits, as well as a faint bitterness.

When the personality on the nose reaches the mouth, it swiftly wears out and reveals itself to be flat & lacking in directness, paying for its youth. It's always disappointing to try these NAS from a distillery worthy of so much more, yet we genuinely didn't expect much different.