Fall 2022 Collectibles: Macallan, Springbank, Method & Madness
October 4, 2022 –––––– Whisky Advocate
In every issue of Whisky Advocate, we identify three whiskies that are generally limited releases and show the most potential to gain value. For Fall 2022, the top choices came from Scotland and Ireland and were all aged for at least 30 years.Check out the Buying Guide for a complete list of whiskies reviewed in the Fall 2022 issue.
Macallan 30 yearold Sherry Oak (2021 Release)96 points, 43%, $4,750Dried vine fruit, black cherry, rich sherry, candied lemon, toasted oak, and active clove spices demonstrate a sublime balance between the spice and sherry fruit from the oloroso seasoned Spanish oak. It's oily, mouth-coating, and richly satisfying, with deep reserves of sherry character, citrus peel, honey, chocolate, seasoned oak, creamy nougat, and a lengthy finish of dried fruit and toasted oak. A consummate Speyside whisky.—Jonny McCormick
Springbank 30 year old96 points, 46%, $2,600Bold, aromatic, and enticing, with notes of golden pear, vanilla, crystalized honey, and characteristic salinity, followed by earthy aromas of aniseed balls, warm pancakes, snuffed church candles, and salted nuts. Thick-textured, salty, and fruity, with vanilla essence, golden fruits, apple, melon, toffee, peppercorn, clove, star anise, cacao, baked fruits, apple, and a salty smack on the lips. The exquisite finish is sweet, salty, intensely rich, and slightly tannic.—Jonny McCormick
Method & Madness 33 year old Mizunara Oak Cask Finish94 points, 52.8%, $3,000This really casts a spell with its aromas of baked pastry, vanilla, mizunara oak, rich toffee, dried fruits, millionaire's shortbread, worn leather, and crisp pot still spices. It starts with soft citrus peel, grated nutmeg over frothy cappuccino, caramel, and vanilla pudding, the rich sweetness in harmony with the spices. An astonishing creaminess brings it home with notes of banana, green apple, and satsuma, with fruit pastilles on the finish.—Jonny McCormick
TOP COLLECTIBLE WHISKIES TO TARGET
Macallan 30 yearold Sherry Oak (2021 Release)96 points, 43%, $4,750Dried vine fruit, black cherry, rich sherry, candied lemon, toasted oak, and active clove spices demonstrate a sublime balance between the spice and sherry fruit from the oloroso seasoned Spanish oak. It's oily, mouth-coating, and richly satisfying, with deep reserves of sherry character, citrus peel, honey, chocolate, seasoned oak, creamy nougat, and a lengthy finish of dried fruit and toasted oak. A consummate Speyside whisky.—Jonny McCormickSpringbank 30 year old96 points, 46%, $2,600Bold, aromatic, and enticing, with notes of golden pear, vanilla, crystalized honey, and characteristic salinity, followed by earthy aromas of aniseed balls, warm pancakes, snuffed church candles, and salted nuts. Thick-textured, salty, and fruity, with vanilla essence, golden fruits, apple, melon, toffee, peppercorn, clove, star anise, cacao, baked fruits, apple, and a salty smack on the lips. The exquisite finish is sweet, salty, intensely rich, and slightly tannic.—Jonny McCormickMethod & Madness 33 year old Mizunara Oak Cask Finish94 points, 52.8%, $3,000This really casts a spell with its aromas of baked pastry, vanilla, mizunara oak, rich toffee, dried fruits, millionaire's shortbread, worn leather, and crisp pot still spices. It starts with soft citrus peel, grated nutmeg over frothy cappuccino, caramel, and vanilla pudding, the rich sweetness in harmony with the spices. An astonishing creaminess brings it home with notes of banana, green apple, and satsuma, with fruit pastilles on the finish.—Jonny McCormick