The Macallan 1989 (Bottled 2019) Douglas Laing's XOP The Black Series / 46%/ 0.7l
- The XOP range was introduced in 2014 by Fred Laing, who parted ways with his brother and business partner Stewart the year before, splitting portfolio of Douglas Laing & Co.
Product description
Fred Laing's XOP series debuted in 2014, a dozen or so months after the division of Douglas Laing & Co.'s assets between the two Laing brothers.
XOP stands for Xtra Old Particular and refers to the finest single malt and single grain casks from the family’s stockpile. Summer 2019 brought the XOP Black Series, the Laing family’s “white crows.” This status was given to The Macallan, presented here, distilled in May 1989, aged in a refill hogshead cask no. DL 13636 for three decades and bottled at cask strength (46% abv) in October 2019 in an edition of 230 bottles. Each one is signed by Fred and Cary Laing, son and granddaughter of the founder of Douglas Laing & Co., the current owners of the company. (Producer’s tasting note.)
Aroma : expressive, initially barley malt and fruity candies, followed by a wave of citrus, grapes and notes of classic bourbon.
Taste : a wonderful harmony of flavours, Muscovado sugar, marzipan, juicy oranges, whipped cream and a bit of smoke in the background.
Finish : medium long, like the arrival of another wave carrying all the mentioned flavor elements.