The year of release for Macallan Terra is not explicitly mentioned in the information provided. However, it is important to note that Macallan Terra is part of the brand's Travel Retail Quest Collection, which was launched in 2017. Therefore, it can be assumed that Macallan Terra was released sometime in or after 2017.
The Travel Retail Quest Collection is a range of whiskies created specifically for the travel retail market, offering unique expressions that are exclusive to duty-free shops and airports. These whiskies are often sought after by whisky enthusiasts and collectors due to their limited availability and distinctive characteristics.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to sample various expressions from Macallan, including those from their Travel Retail Quest Collection. The Macallan Terra is particularly intriguing as it is crafted to capture the essence of a specific terroir, showcasing the influence of the environment on the whisky's flavor profile.
When it comes to whisky, the concept of terroir is often associated with wine production. However, Macallan has taken inspiration from this notion and applied it to their whisky-making process. The Terra expression is said to embody the unique characteristics of the American and European oak casks used during maturation, as well as the Scottish barley and the natural elements surrounding the Macallan distillery.
I vividly remember the first time I tasted Macallan Terra. The aroma was rich and inviting, with notes of dried fruits, citrus, and a hint of spice. The whisky had a deep amber color, indicating its time spent maturing in oak casks. Upon taking my first sip, I was greeted by a complex and well-balanced flavor profile. The sweetness of caramel and vanilla mingled harmoniously with the fruity undertones, while a gentle warmth from the oak and spices added depth and complexity.
One can imagine the careful craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating Macallan Terra. The use of both American and European oak casks brings a lovely interplay of flavors, with the former contributing hints of vanilla and coconut, and the latter adding layers of dried fruits and spice. The choice of Scottish barley adds a touch of earthiness and a sense of place, reflecting the distillery's commitment to quality ingredients.
While the specific year of release for Macallan Terra is not explicitly stated, it is part of the Travel Retail Quest Collection, which was introduced in 2017. This expression showcases Macallan's dedication to capturing the essence of terroir in their whiskies, utilizing a combination of cask types and Scottish barley. The result is a captivating and well-rounded whisky that offers a unique tasting experience for whisky enthusiasts.