The sixth and final release in The Macallan’s “Edition” series is here. (We previously reviewed Editions 1, 2, and 4.)

The new single malt “celebrates the natural wonders of The Macallan Estate, and the vibrant life force that sustains it – the River Spey.”

Marking the sixth and final release in The Macallan Edition Series, Edition No.6 brings together The Macallan’s Ghillie, Robert Mitchell, who is the guardian of The Macallan’s stretch of the River Spey; Hardy, the world’s most renowned fly fishing brand; and The Atlantic Salmon Trust, which has over 50 years’ experience in salmon conservation.

The Macallan Estate lies on the banks of the River Spey, one of Scotland’s most legendary rivers renowned across the world as a home to the mighty Atlantic salmon. A day on the river, with its pure water, stunning wild landscape and calmness is a once in a lifetime experience, and The Macallan Whisky Maker, Steven Bremner took his inspiration for Edition No.6 by choosing five cask styles that embody unique stories related to the river and its unparalleled natural landscape.

Those casks are a blend of first and second fill hogsheads and butts and include both European and American oak. All of the wood used has been sherry seasoned. As with the other Edition releases, the whisky is bottled with no age statement.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go.

Fans of the iconic sherry character of Macallan will find plenty to like here, a brooding, almost leathery quality dominating the rich and almost brooding nose, just dripping in sherry character from front to back. Heather and a touch of saline keep the focus clearly on earth(and sea) rather than fruit and spice — but those elements come together soon enough as the palate evolves.

On the tongue the whisky is a deep exploration of orange oil, baking spice, sesame seed, and a gingerbread note. Sweet toffee dominates the finish, and with time in glass the whisky finds a balance between its sweeter and more savory notes. Increasingly earnest shavings of chocolate, filtered through toasted sesame seed, toasted brioche, white pepper, and a hint of iodine percolate on the finish. Sherry-fueled through and through, it’s an iconic representation of Macallan, dripping in oxidized wine and austerity.

97.2 proof.

A- / $150 / themacallan.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]

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