Tasting notes·Macallan

Macallan 20 Years (2004/2024) Speymalt - Gordon & MacPhail

Independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail provide a glimpse into the past, especially when it comes to iconic distilleries like Macallan. With the Speymalt 2004/2024, G&M presents a 20-years malt distilled at the Macallan distillery and matured in a sherry cask (No. 22606605). These casks are renowned for their complexity, and this whisky exemplifies the mastery of two decades of aging.

The panel

Marcel
89
Sascha
91

Mean 90.0 · spread 2

Value for money 0/5

Distillery
Macallan
Bottler
Gordon & MacPhail
Type
Single Malt
Region
Speyside
Country
Scotland
Age
20 years
Strength
59.4% ABV
Character
rich

Tasting

Nose

The first nosing reveals a fascinating medley of red fruits – sour cherries, dates, and figs lead the way. This is complemented by an elegant woody note reminiscent of driftwood, coupled with a slightly burnt character leaning towards cigar tobacco. This balance of sweet and earthy tones makes the bouquet remarkably layered.

Palate

The first sip is an experience: full-bodied and powerful, a pleasant sweetness greets the palate. The creamy, soft texture reveals notes of leather, cocoa powder, and dried plums. Subtle nutty tones play in the background, while oak takes on a leading role without dominating the profile. Each drop tells the story of a sherry cask transformed by time and care.

Finish

The finish is long and multi-layered: a sweet-spicy warmth spreads, accompanied by dry oak and nutty flavors, particularly walnuts. What remains is a harmonious, balanced finish that leaves the impression of a perfectly matured malt.

Verdicts

Marcel

A whisky that immediately wins your heart with its creamy sweetness and spicy sherry notes – simply a pleasure that relaxes and delights. The 20 years of maturation give it character and depth without feeling overdone. Perfect for connoisseurs looking for a warm, rounded dram full of personality.

Sascha

Technically impressive, this whisky shows a balanced structure where sweetness, spice, and wood notes harmoniously intertwine. The long maturation in a sherry cask imparts a complex yet clear aromatic profile and a long-lasting, multi-layered finish. A prime example of a well-balanced, matured Speyside whisky.

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.

£1£10£100£1k£10k£100k£1000k2005200820112014201720202023

Latest mean bid £508 across 3,258 lots · 2024-08

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2025-01-21.