Watch | Tasting 'The Intrepid'

with Charles MacLean M.B.E, Master of the Quaich

Join Scotland's leading whisky expert, Charles MacLean M.B.E. as he tastes and gives notes on The Intrepid.

Charles MacLean has been described by The Times as Scotland’s leading whisky expert. He has been researching and writing about whisky for nearly forty years, and has published 15 books on the subject, including Malt Whisky, which won a Glenfiddich Award, and Whisky: A Liquid History, which won ‘Wine & Spirits Book of the Year’ in the James Beard Awards 2005 and ‘Best Drinks Book’ in the International Food Media Awards 2005. He was founding editor of Whisky Magazine (1997), contributes regularly to many publications and has written historical and promotional materials for all the leading Scotch whisky companies.

He is a member of the Judging Panel (Spirits) of the International Wines & Spirits Competition, was runner-up as ‘Communicator of the Year’ in the 2003 IWSC Awards and won ‘Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Scotch Whisky’ in the 2012 Awards. He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1992, elevated to Master of the Quaich in 2009.

The Intrepid officially became the world’s largest bottle of whisky on September 9th, 2021. Standing over 1.8m tall, the record-breaking bottle contains 311 litres of the finest whisky, distilled at the prestigious Macallan Distillery in 1989. On 25th May Lyon & Turnbull are excited to introduce The Intrepid to market, a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of distilling history.

TASTING NOTES

Provided by Charles MacLean M.B.E., Master of the Quaich

Appearance: Pale gold with khaki lights. A vatting of two refill American oak hogsheads to create the world’s largest bottle of whisky.

Aroma: A very mild and gentle nose. Gradually opens to present scents led by baked apple (and baked apple skin), supported by pear in syrup and a suggestion of flaked almond, on a base note of short-crust pastry. All subtle and understated. A drop of water introduces a trace of vanilla fudge and a whisper of dry sherry.

Taste: A smooth texture, and a sweet overall taste with some white pepper in the lengthy, warming finish and a suggestion of French apple tart in the aftertaste. Lightly mouth drying at reduced strength, and more spicy.

Comment: An elegant whisky, with subtle complexity. Its pale hue implies second or third fill casks, which has prevented the flavour being dominated by wood extractives. Intriguing and easy to enjoy straight – with (many!) friends – on any occasion.

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