Maclean’s Nose
The independent bottler Adelphi has been a staple of high-quality whiskies for many decades. To meet the high demand, they opened the Ardnamurchan Distillery in 2014, returning to their roots as distillers. Recently, a Blended Malt has found its way into Adelphi's portfolio with Maclean's Nose. With a malt content of 70%, and bottled following Adelphi's classic philosophy of no added coloring or chill filtration, "the Nose" aims to impress.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose (pun intended) immediately surprises with its complexity. We find an extremely warm but also "dirty" smoke. This is accompanied by citrus and orange zest, as well as freshly grated applesauce. Over time, the malt opens up to reveal herbal notes with licorice and freshly cut grass. The aroma is rounded off by a touch of sea salt and a pleasant hint of almond.
Palate
On the palate, the sherry cask influence becomes quite evident. We detect both fresher notes of vanilla ice cream with chocolate shavings and the smoke of a recently extinguished campfire. In addition, there's burnt caramel, a pronounced chocolatey richness, and a hint of plum compote.
Finish
The finish is long and carried by smoke. We continue to taste the pleasant sweetness of plums and raisins, complemented by white chocolate. The aftertaste lingers with hints of licorice and nutmeg that remain on the palate for quite some time.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
Maclean's Nose proves that a no-age-statement blended malt can be genuinely enjoyable – warm, smoky, and packed with plenty of character. If you appreciate layered aromas and drinkability, this is a real bargain. A whisky that’s sure to spark conversation at your next gathering.
Sascha 83/100
With Maclean's Nose, Adelphi delivers a well-balanced blended malt that impresses with its structured harmony between sherry cask notes, smoke, and delicate fruit tones. The complex aroma profile at 46% ABV without chill filtration demonstrates technical finesse, making it a fine example of modern whisky craftsmanship. A cleverly composed whisky that offers stability and depth despite the absence of an age statement.
Value for Money: Excellent
💸 This whisky offers an outstanding value for money and is our value pick.
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73/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Maclean’s Nose blend stand out compared to other blended malts?
Maclean’s Nose contains a high malt content of 70% and is bottled according to Adelphi’s philosophy without added coloring or chill filtration. This preserves a natural complexity with a balanced interplay of smoky, fruity, and spicy notes.
What influence does the sherry cask maturation have on the taste of Maclean’s Nose?
The sherry cask maturation imparts sweet and fruity aromas such as vanilla ice cream, caramel, chocolate, and plum jam. At the same time, it supports the smoky notes and contributes to a complex, long-lasting finish.
Why does Adelphi avoid chill filtration and coloring in Maclean’s Nose?
Adelphi focuses on natural bottlings to present the whisky as authentically as possible. Avoiding chill filtration preserves the flavor diversity and texture, while no coloring is added to maintain the authenticity of the whisky’s color.