CASK STRENGTH WHISKY IS BOTTLED STRAIGHT FROM THE WOOD --as nature intended, some might say. Malt whisky is typically "reduced" (or diluted) when bottled, to achieve a standard level of 43 percent alcohol by volume. Bob Dalgarno and his team of "nosers" take special care to select a combination of first- and second-fill sherry casks, thus striking a sense of balance amid the tremendous strength and complexity. More emphasis is placed on aromatics than age in the selection of lots, which are bottled without filtration or dilution to allow the fullest, most natural expression of malt whisky. Amid its sheer power (nearly 60 percent alcohol by volume), The Macallan Cask Strength displays classic clove-like spice and dried fruits.

Introduced to the U.S. in 2002 with a striking red label, The Macallan Cask Strength exhibits a contemporary feel in tune with the trendiness of the cask-strength malts.