Review: Macallan 10 y.o., Gordon & Macphail (G&M) Pure Malt, 70 proof

As promised, I am going to taste the oldtimer today:

Macallan G&M 10 y.o. G&M, 70° (red letters, probably distilled in the 1960ies)

Nose: Very elegant profile (not weak at all, but less obtrusive and fat than the younger versions – this thin lady wants to be discovered) with lemon and orange zest, humidor, pepper, faint earthy peat smoke, sweet malt (but less sweet than in younger ages), vanilla pudding, dark fruits, traces of Sherry and the European oak (Quercus robur). I also get apples, hay, coal and a whiff of ginger. Again, perfectly round and balanced.

Palate: Medium-dry and slightly sweet, thin like a needle yet loaded with aromas which are just dotted onto the palatal canvas, definitely not a „in-your-face“ style.  You have to concentrate hard not to miss the complexity because of the ‚light-loaded‘ character (this is no contradiction!). All notes from the nose show up discretely. Drink this Mac in big sips.

Finish: Malt, haystack and dried flowers, earthy peat tingles, dark oak ad fruits. Medium length.

Score: 90-

Comment: This one reminds me of the brighter versions of the 1962 – and the distillery character is clearly there. In a nutshell it is light and summer breezy, but definitely high class – for those looking for understatement and finesse. It needs a little work, but then it rocks. For lovers of powerful drams it is just highly drinkable without leaving too much of an impression concerning the primary notes. Use it as an aperitif, an afternoon malt or put it early in a tasting session.

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