Information:
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Origin: Speyside – Scotland

Alcohol by volume: 57%

Recommended price: 500-600 euros

Availability: Low, produced in the late 80s, early 90s.

Historical notes and personal observations:
We have already talked about Macallan so much, is there really a need to add anything else?
Probably not, except for a small note on this bottling: Macallan 10 y.o. Full Proof Giovinetti & Figli, a full-proof expression (57%) released in the late 80s and now a cult object. Matured entirely in ex-Sherry casks, this whisky is considered one of the best expressions ever made by Macallan, with unanimous praise from fans and reviewers.
Very rare to find on the market and with decidedly high prices, I have the opportunity today to try it for you thanks to a generous sample donated by a collector/connoisseur friend whom I sincerely thank.
Having finished this little preface, I now move on to the examination of this Single Malt from the good old days when Macallan was not yet pervaded by the mania of No Age Statements.

Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Intense amber

Smell: Powerful impact of dark chocolate, combined with cherries in alcoholic infusion but also blackberries. A distinct note of licorice appears after a few seconds, very pleasant. A light smoky note, unusual for many Macallan, also appears after a few moments. Again, candied dried fruit and sultanas. The alcohol content is slightly perceived, despite being high. An excellent smell, there is no doubt about it.

Palate: Extremely full-bodied, warm and intensely enveloping. You can immediately detect a strong presence of licorice already detected on the nose, which here is accompanied by a balsamic note of eucalyptus, very fresh and enlivening. The red fruits return (mainly cherries), with a majesty that grows moment after moment. Lots of bitter cocoa, alongside a vinous trait typically from Sherry (with dried plums and dates). Definitely massive, complex and multi-layered. Slightly salty. With water, the structure remains substantially unchanged. Excellent on the palate too!

Finish: Medium long and intense, of bitter cocoa and notes of the best Spanish Sherry (raisins, dried plums, figs, dates). A hint of balsamic returns anyway.

An excellent Macallan, I can't add anything else! A true pearl of Giovinetti, unfortunately extremely rare to find on the market. I thank my friend Tony again for the generous sample, which I hope to be able to reciprocate!