Macallan 20 Years (2003/2023) Speymalt - Gordon & MacPhail
When a legend like Macallan meets the expertise of independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, one thing is certain: the result has the potential to set new standards. The Macallan 2003/2023 Speymalt, a 20-years single malt, is no exception. At a whopping 58.30 % vol., this sherry bomb from Speyside is powerful and complex. But does it live up to its promise?
The panel
Mean 88.0 · spread 0
Value for money 0/5
- Distillery
- Macallan
- Bottler
- Gordon & MacPhail
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Speyside
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 20 years
- Strength
- 58.3% ABV
- Character
- rich
Tasting
Nose
This whisky doesn't mince its words from the very first nosing. What emerges from the glass is a true sherry grenade. A heavy, almost dramatic combination of wet carpet, leather and tobacco meets the autumnal freshness of damp leaves. This is joined by the sweet darkness of burnt caramel. It is a fragrance that tells stories - smoky, earthy and deeply rooted in decades of ageing.
Palate
The true magic of this whisky unfolds on the tongue. The first thing you notice is a distinctive dryness reminiscent of a fine sherry. This is accompanied by an amazingly oily texture that takes over the entire mouth. The flavours are intense and clear: fig, rich and dark, is accompanied by earthy leather and bitter cocoa. There is no room for restraint here - this whisky has character and shows it.
Finish
The finish is the icing on the cake of this complex drop. It is long, as befits a whisky aged for 20 years, and has a lovely spiciness that finishes astringent and dry. But before it disappears, a slight fruity sweetness flashes through.
Verdicts
Marcel
This Macallan 2003/2023 is a true taste experience – intense, with a powerful sherry explosion that makes every sip exciting. It demands your attention but rewards you with a complex blend of spice, sweetness, and character that’s simply enjoyable. For connoisseurs seeking a whisky with bite and soul, this is a real bullseye!
Sascha
With its balanced structure of intense sherry notes, fine oak, and subtle fruity sweetness, the Macallan 2003/2023 showcases an impressive interplay of power and elegance. Despite the high 58.3% ABV, it is well integrated and offers a complex yet harmonious balance that guarantees both depth and a long-lasting finish.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Macallan as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £508 across 3,258 lots · 2024-08