Article By Monica Berg
Macallan has introduced a new line of single malt scotch whiskys and, in conjunction with the Wines of the World, hosted a tasting party on Saturday night at Tamambo Karen Blixen. The evening’s events included a DJ, Live Band, and promotional drinks, courtesy of Macallan. Macallan’s guests received a refreshing welcome cocktail of Macallan Whisky Sour, followed by tastings of the newly introduced 1824 Series single malts. After the sampling, we were invited to continue enjoying the featured drinks by the glass or bottle with a special promotional pricing offer.
The whisky sour was potent, with the rich flavor of the scotch balanced well with the tart citrus and slowly melting ice. This warmed us up for the tasting, and we enjoyed a flight of single malts starting with the Macallan Amber, followed by the Sierra, and finally the crown jewel of the line, the Ruby. All three single malts are part of the 1824 Series and are aged in 100% sherry seasoned casks. The names, Amber, Sierra and Ruby relate to the 100% natural color, a distinguishing characteristic of Macallan products.
The Amber rests in 100% first fill and refill Spanish Oak and American Oak sherry seasoned casks, while the Sienna is made in exclusively first fill casks. The Ruby uses 100% first fill Spanish Oak sherry seasoned casks and, by virtue of the exclusively European oak, imparts a more sophisticated flavor profile with a lingering finish. The 1824 line relies, not on length of ageing ( which does not necessarily speak to quality), but on the type of cask and the ageing process – how the casks are seasoned and whether exclusively first fill, or second fill casks are used.
With the rains threatening and unseasonably overcast skies, the party was held on the Tamambo terrace and indoor bar area, including the cozy lounge in the back, where guests relaxed to the sounds of DJ Mickey from the early evening, and the Dove Slimme band later into the night.