Signatory Cask Strength Collection Speyside 17-year (Macallan) 700ml

Experience a sherry-matured masterpiece with Speyside 17, a 2023 release from independent bottler Signatory Vintage. This 17-year-old single malt, aged exclusively in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt, offers an exceptionally rich and complex sensory journey. Bottled at a robust 115 proof, it delivers an opulent array of dried fruits, warm spices, and decadent chocolate notes, making it a truly unforgettable dram.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A captivating and complex bouquet immediately announces the sherry influence, bursting with rich dried fruits – think plump raisins, figs, and dates. Beneath this, layers of sweet baking spices emerge: cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of clove. A subtle nuttiness, reminiscent of toasted almonds, intertwines with hints of dark chocolate and old leather, suggesting significant depth from its long maturation. A faint waft of orange peel brightens the profile, adding a touch of zest to the otherwise opulent aroma.

Palate: The entry is remarkably smooth and velvety, immediately coating the palate with a luxurious sweetness. The Oloroso sherry influence is profound and beautifully integrated, delivering an explosion of dark fruit compote, stewed plums, and candied orange peel. This sweetness is perfectly balanced by a robust spice presence – black pepper, ginger, and a lingering oak spice that gently asserts itself without overpowering. Notes of dark caramel, honey, and marzipan add further complexity, while a distinct, almost umami quality from the old oak barrel provides structure and depth. The 115 proof is very well-integrated, offering a warming embrace rather than an aggressive burn.

Finish: Long, evolving, and exceptionally satisfying. The sherry notes persist, yielding to a dry, oaky warmth that is both spicy and pleasantly tannic. Lingering flavors of dark chocolate, coffee grounds, and a delicate smokiness (not peaty, but an aged wood character) slowly fade. A subtle return of the fruit, particularly dried apricot and a whisper of currant, provides a final, elegant flourish. The warmth lingers beautifully, inviting another sip.

About the Distillery

Signatory Vintage is a renowned independent bottler of Scotch whisky, founded in 1988 by Andrew and Brian Symington. They are celebrated for their extensive range of single cask and small batch offerings, sourcing spirits from a vast array of Scottish distilleries. Their philosophy revolves around bottling whiskies at natural cask strength and often un-chillfiltered, aiming to present the spirit in its purest, most characterful form. They are highly regarded for their meticulous selection process and commitment to showcasing the individuality of each cask.