Tasting notes

Mac-Talla Red Wine-Barriques

The Mac-Talla Red Wine Barriques is a limited edition, bottled at 53.8% by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers. It is a single malt from an unnamed distillery on the Scottish island of Islay. The 24 married casks were pre-filled with wines from the Bordeaux region in France.

The panel

Marcel
85
Sascha
87

Mean 86.0 · spread 2

Value for money 3/5

Bottler
Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers
Type
Single Malt
Region
Isle of Islay
Country
Scotland
Strength
53.8% ABV
Character
rich

Tasting

Nose

The first impression of the Mac-Talla Red Wine-Barrique delights the senses with a rich and complex variety of flavours. Blackberries, cherries and red grapes dominate the nose, accompanied by an intense smoky flavour. This smoky flavour is accompanied by ashy notes and a dirty character that gives the whisky a rustic depth. Yeast and a distinct sweet fruitiness behind the smoke complete the olfactory experience. Overall, the odour is reminiscent of a high-quality red wine that has been refined with a smoky note.

Palate

The whisky unfolds its full splendour on the tongue. An oily, warming mouthfeel greets the palate, immediately reminiscent of red wine. This impression is accompanied by a warm campfire that once again emphasises the ashy notes. The flavour of port wine shines through, while cinnamon and milk chocolate provide a spicy sweetness. Cherries, sultanas and plums round off the flavour profile and give the whisky a fruity depth that harmonises perfectly with the smoky and spicy elements.

Finish

The finish of the Islay malt is long and impressive. Blackberry and slightly bitter oak dominate the finish, while a beautiful spiciness ensures a lingering flavour experience. The fruity sweetness and dried fruit in the finish emphasise the complexity.

Verdicts

Marcel

This Mac-Talla Red Wine Barriques is a genuine taste experience – smoky, fruity, and with a pleasant warmth that’s simply enjoyable. The combination of Islay smoke and Bordeaux wine is so harmonious that you’ll want to pour another glass right away. For connoisseurs seeking character and drinking pleasure, it’s a clear bullseye!

Sascha

The Mac-Talla Red Wine Barriques demonstrates an impressive balance between intense smokiness and complex fruity sweetness, precisely structured by the Bordeaux cask maturation. The 53.8% ABV is carefully integrated, making the whisky both powerful and harmonious. A technically successful example of blending Islay character with red wine aromas.

What it is worth

No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2024-06-16.