The Macallan has become one of the most popular and recognized single malt Scotch whisky brands in the world, enjoying particularly good success in the United States. The Macallan range starts with the entry level 10-Year and includes the pricey 30-year, plus a variety of rare, older expressions and drams aged in different types of oak.
The Macallan makes two 18-year-old Scotch whiskies–the Sherry Oak, which is aged exclusively in Sherry oak casks–and the Fine Oak, which is aged in three different types of wood.
The Macallan 18-year-old Sherry Oak is mahogany in color and has pleasant aromas of sherried fruits, vanilla, cinnamon and citrus. Drink up to find dried fruits with orange peel, faint wood smoke and a hint of ginger, plus sweet toffee, chocolate and more wood on the finish. From beginning to end, it’s light on the palate and goes down the hatch without the slightest trouble.
I rarely drink The Macallan whiskies. Fans of the spirit tout its smoothness, and they’re right, but it’s that same easy-going nature that always leaves me wanting more. Perhaps it’s my unabashed love of smoky Islay whiskies that taints my view of this gulpable Speyside dram.
That said, it’s difficult to knock The Macallan 18. The sherry oak contributes tons of lush fruit and delicate spice to the whisky, and one smooth sip tells you that it’s a meticulously-produced spirit. So while it goes against my personal preference baseline, it’s very easy to appreciate The Macallan for what it is: an exceedingly approachable whisky that even the Scotch-phobic seem to enjoy. That alone is an impressive feat, and certainly one to be respected.
Stats:
– 43% ABV
– $130+
CE Rating: ★★★★
Amen to Jake’s observation about price. The Macallan is my favorite scotch, especially the 18 year old, but I simply can’t justify spending the money these days when there are other good scotches around at a much better price. Bring the price down thirty or forty dollars and they’ll sell a lot more and still have a premium single-malt. And I’ll be able to drink it!
I really like Macallan scotches, but think the 18 is overpriced. It’s actually one of my favorites, but I think there are some that are just as good for much cheaper. I guess brand cache goes a long way in commanding big prices…