Description

Speyside (M) 2007 Aged 18 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Cask Strength Collection By Signatory Vintage Cask #DRU17/A190 #14 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 58.4%           Age: 18 Years Old           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): DRU17/A190 #14
Date of Distilling: 05.03.2007
Date of Bottling: 15.07.2025
Matured In: Sherry Butt

The Whisky

Experience the allure of a “secret” Speyside icon with the Signatory Vintage Speyside (M) 18 Year Old (Cask #14). Part of the highly esteemed Cask Strength Collection, this 700ml single malt was distilled on March 5th, 2007, and matured for 18 years in a single First-Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt (#DRU17/A190 #14). Bottled in July 2025 at a thunderous 58.4% ABV, this limited release yielded only 658 bottles.

The “(M)” designation is a poorly kept secret in the whisky world, widely understood to represent Macallan. Because independent bottlers are often restricted from using the distillery’s name on the label, Signatory uses this shorthand to signal its pedigree. This bottling offers a rare, high-proof alternative to official distillery releases, presented in its most natural state: non-chill filtered and with no added colouring.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A rich and aromatic symphony of classic “sherry bomb” characteristics. You are greeted by dense waves of raisins, festive fruitcake, and roasted coffee beans. As it opens, delicate notes of cinnamon spice, orange peel, and a touch of polished old wood emerge, creating a sophisticated and inviting bouquet.

Palate: The mouthfeel is exceptionally oily and richly textured. It delivers a powerful surge of dried figs, dark chocolate, and burnt toffee. Mid-palate, the Oloroso influence shines with layers of hazelnut, leather, and sherry spice, perfectly balanced by a surprising hint of lanolin and Manuka honey.

Finish: Lingering, elegant, and profoundly deep. The finish tapers off with notes of black tea, oak tannins, and sweet baking spices, leaving a final, mouth-watering impression of blackberry jam and crème brûlée.

The Independent Bottler

Signatory Vintage, founded in 1988 by Andrew Symington, is one of the world’s most respected independent bottlers. Based at the Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry, they are famous for their transparency and the quality of their wood management. A unique factual detail: The cask numbers for their secret Macallan releases often begin with “DRU”, which stands for Drumchapel, the location of the famous Edrington warehouses where these casks were originally held. This specific 18 year old release represents a “best of both worlds” scenario—Macallan’s world class spirit aged under the meticulous eye of the Signatory team.

Overall Review

The Signatory Speyside (M) 18 Year Old Cask #14 is globally reviewed as a “stunning sherried masterpiece,” praised for offering the complexity of an 18 year old Macallan at a much higher intensity and better value than official bottlings. Critics have awarded it high scores (90+/100), marking it as a mandatory purchase for serious Speyside collectors and sherry wood enthusiasts.