Macallan Exceptional Single Cask 9780 Fino Butt (Bottled 1999) 1981

The Macallan 1981 vintage, a gem from the Exceptional Cask series, unveils a rich bouquet of aromas with fresh moist dates, toffee apple, and a blend of herbs and spices, harmoniously intertwined with the distinctive dry acidity of Fino sherry. Upon the palate, an initial caress of sherry blossoms into a wave of broiling spices, transitioning into a firm, nutty maltiness marked by dry, oaky, and resiny undertones, exhibiting an extraordinary intensity. The finish is a restrained yet profound narrative, with pronounced oaky notes unfolding into a long, chewy, and slightly peaty resonance, a deviation from the typical Macallan profile. Awarded a rating of 9.3/10 from revered whisky critic Jim Murray.