The Macallan, Romantica 1986
The Macallan Romantica 1986 is a significant release inspired by the success of the distillery's most famous bottle: the 1926. This whisky went into a single first-fill sherry cask around the same time the 1926 was extracted. The 1926 went on to become the most valuable wine or spirit ever. The 1986 is cut from the same cloth. Labels are designed by Sir Peter Blake, Valerio Adami and Michael Dillon – the same three who designed 1926 bottles. The whisky is only available as part of a three-bottle set, of which there are only 86.
Nose
Apricot, Peach, Nectarine
Palate
Lychee, tinned peaches, cinnamon
Finish
Leather, dark chocolate, peat smoke
It hits you instantly: this whisky has been drawn from the cask at the perfect time. There’s no drawing out the flavor – it’s all in the glass from the first pour. There's so much sweetness, underlined with clear hints of maturity. There are stone fruits and even a whiff of tropicality to it. That's mixed in with some of those delicious sherry spices and antique oak. The palate is just as juicy. The luscious mouthfeel is complemented by more fruit: lychee, tinned peaches, and cinnamon bun spice. The finish goes all out on the age: old leather, dark chocolate, and a faint whisp of peat smoke. The flavor lasts an age on the tongue. Months later, and I’m sure I can still taste it.
