Introduction

This bottle caught my attention partly because of the James Bond association but mostly because it’s Macallan’s first release ever matured in red wine casks—quite a departure from their usual ex-bourbon and sherry cask approach. I’ve had my fair share of Macallans over the years, and while I enjoy them for their richness and polished style, I was curious to see how red wine maturation would change that profile. Considering it was created to mark 60 years of Bond on the big screen, and specifically to commemorate the 1971 film "Diamonds Are Forever," expectations were definitely high.

Nose

Right from the first pour, the nose is fuller and more savoury than I expected. There's a deep current of red fruits—mainly black cherry and stewed plum—but they're not overly sweet. Instead, they're overlaid with darker, drier aromas: cigar box, old leather, and even a touch of black olive. After a bit of time in the glass, I picked up something reminiscent of old cellar dust and dried fig. It's an elegant nose, but not soft or creamy like many Macallans—this one keeps you alert.

Palate

The first sip immediately confirmed that this isn't business as usual. The mouthfeel is medium to full-bodied but leans more dry than oily. The wine cask influence shows up in the form of tannins and dried berries, with cranberry, sour cherry, and even a faint balsamic touch. There’s a punchy spice element—clove and cracked black pepper—mixed with the restrained sweetness of dark chocolate and toasted oak. Every component feels deliberate. Despite the dryness, there’s balance, helped by a muted vanilla note and a prickle of orange zest.

Finish

The finish is long and shifts slowly. I got lingering oak, persistent tannins, and a slightly bitter dark chocolate note that grew drier with time. There's a slight umami layer here—something that reminded me of cured meat or mushroom broth, which I rarely find in Macallan. It doesn’t drift off softly; instead, it sits with you a while, asking for your attention.

Price and Value

This bottle isn’t priced for everyday drinking—being a limited anniversary edition, it's a collector-level investment. But if you're someone who appreciates Macallan and is curious about where they can go when they step off the beaten path, it’s a compelling bottle to try. The uniqueness of the red wine cask and the character it brings to the spirit means this isn't just about branding or packaging—though that’s admittedly done with care as well.

Background

Macallan is known for its well-aged Speyside single malts, most commonly matured in sherry-seasoned oak. But here they’ve taken a bold turn with European oak casks seasoned with red wine—a first for them. This particular release is part of a set honouring six decades of James Bond films. Each decade gets a bottle with unique label art, and this one represents a distinct era of 007. The whisky inside is NAS, but it's clearly crafted with care to match the cinematic nostalgia. You can read more about the wider collection on the Macallan official website.

Final Notes

Would I buy this again? With the price and rarity considered, probably not for regular enjoyment—but I’m glad I tried it. It’s not your classic easy-drinking Macallan; it has more structure, more dryness, and a darker tone overall. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone just getting into whisky—the sharper tannins and savoury elements might feel unapproachable. But for seasoned whisky drinkers looking to experience a side of Macallan that doesn’t rely on the usual sherry sweetness, it’s a fascinating dram.

I had a friend ask how it compares to standard Macallans like the 12 or 18. Honestly, it shares the same polished craftsmanship, but offers a completely different experience—less fruitcake, more red wine tannin and spice. If you’re intrigued by cask experimentation and don’t mind a whisky that leans dry and textural rather than lush and sweet, this is worth discovering—if you can find a bottle, that is.