Jeff – 86

I disagree with Glen to a degree with this one. I don't feel it is one of the best whiskies. But I do feel it's a good one none the less. Its has a beefy sherry flavor with a nice smooth fruity body. If you like sherry this is a good one to try and at a good price as well.

Glen – 81

A little young, but a nice whisky but doesn't compare to the older Macallan's.

This one is big on sherry.

Jeff – 86

I love big sherried drams and this one is right in that category. Lots of sherry but well balanced with some honey and a touch of smoke on the finish. Some oak and malt round it off. 

Glen – 77

If you’re a Macallan fan, I’m sure you own a bottle or two of this one. This has all of the characteristics that made Macallan so popular among lovers of big sherry whiskies. Sherry on the nose with hints of vanilla extract, a rich body and sweet finish, it’s all here. This was my Grandfather’s favorite dram when he wanted to drink something special. Cheers, Pop Pop. 

Nose: Fresh, sherry, nutty, vanilla extract
Body: Thick and rich
Finish: Short with a bitter after taste, rich, sweet, sherry, subtle smoke, musty

The standard Macallan.

Brett – 84

More complex than the 12-year-old, with a nose that explodes onto the senses: mild, sweet, with peach pits, heather honey, wet, tanned leather, vanilla, orange peel, and just the faintest hint of peat(?), this nose just sets-up the whole dram. A chewy, full-bodied mouthfeel precedes a taste/finish of toasted oak, more vanilla, sherry, and light spices. A little short, but this expression is exceptionally well-balanced.

Glen – 89

This whisky is a real step up from the 12 year old, had a great comfortable feel to it. A rich spicy Macallan that is very flavorful and well balanced. This dram has a big rich nose highlighted by honey and vanilla. The body is full and the finish is medium length and warming. I think what I liked most about his dram is that the sherry isn’t overpowering and lets other great flavors come through. First rate and very appealing.

Nose: Sweet, subtle sherry, honey, slight peat, vanilla extract, leathery
Body: Rich, medium to full
Finish: Medium length and warming, sherry, oak, cloves, some bite

Comforting. 

Brett – 83

Warm and deep, this whisky nosed wonderful burnt caramel, vanilla, and oak that, were it not for the omnipresent sherry, reminded us of fine bourbon. With water, there were light citrus notes, marzipan, and something that reminded me of a NY roasted nut cart. Like the 18-year-old, this expression was very well-balanced, with vanilla, oak, and heavy sherry on the palate. With water, it revealed more citrus (tangerines) in its medium-length finish.

Glen – 83

A straight forward honest dram that I enjoyed. A little over sherried, but all in all it came off well balanced and flavorful. Had a nice burnt caramel and vanilla nose with a medium body and medium length complex finish. This is a cask strength whisky so make sure you add water. 

Nose: Burnt caramel, vanilla, sherry, oak, toasted nuts, clean
Body: Medium
Finish: Medium length, dry, fruit, some light peat, some bite

Honest.

Brett – 78

A fresh, very young nose, full of malt, hay, aldehyde, and vanilla. Also light honey, pineapple, and attic must. A thin, light body, opening into a short, warming, and oaky finish, with oranges and possibly candy canes. Some tasters swore they picked-up creamsicles, too. While not exactly balanced, this whisky could be the perfect introduction to the Fine Oak range.

Glen – 78

A young whisky that came off a little unbalanced but pleasant enough. The oak is pronounced and introduces you well into the Fine Oak range. This dram has a nice nose but the body is thin and the finish was medium length and fruity. One of my favorite Macallans is the Fine Oak 15 year old so I was a little disappointed with this dram’s lake of balance and thin character. 

Nose: Vanilla, malty, hay, fresh
Body: Thin 
Finish: Orange sorbet, dry, fruity, medium length

Underwhelming. 

Jeff – 84

I don’t love this one as much as Glen but it’s a nice flavorful dram with tons of character. You can’t go wrong with this one. It just doesn’t taste like the Macallan that helped turn me on to single malt scotch.

Glen – 88

The nose on this one is amazing with hints of vanilla and over ripe fruit. The fine oak range is very smooth and not as sherried as their standard line. Some subtle spice (nutmeg?) make for an impressive dram. This is a Macallan right up my alley. 

Nose: Vanilla, nutmeg, fruity, some citrus
Body: Has some legs but not overly chewy
Finish: Medium length and warming, apricots and Belgium chocolate

If you own one Macallan, this should be the one, but I’m sure Jeff and Brett would disagree. 

Brett – 79

Very different than its 15-year-old cousin – much more floral, especially lavender, though there is still that burnt caramel sweetness and ever-present oak. The 17-year-old also has a medium body, maybe a little lighter than you might want, with a “shortish” finish of dried peaches, honey, light peat, and wet campfires.

Glen – 76

As a big fan of the 15 year old I was excited about trying this dram. Maybe that’s in part why I was so disappointed. Much more floral and the beautiful balance of the 15 year old is gone. Replaced by a very good nose that doesn’t match the finish. Had a clinging candy sweetness in a short uninspired finish. The dram just never comes together. 

Nose: Musty, floral, malty, bourbon, burnt caramel, oak
Body: medium to heavy
Finish: Candy sweetness, very short, oranges

A little muddled in the finish but the nose is superior.

Jeff – 90

The best Macallan I’ve had. The sherry is balanced by smoke and dried fruity flavors. 

The perfect winter dram. 

Glen – 89

This is usually a favorite for Macallan lovers and for good reason. The wine character is toned down and more smoke comes through that creates a Speyside of old. This is at the pinnacle for Speyside lovers. Complex, elegant but humble.

Nose: Sherry, citrus, spice, fruity and smoke
Body: Rich and big
Finish: Long and dry, has some fruit and spice to balance the smoke

Truly Impressive!

Jeff – 91

Glen – 92

The best Macallan I’ve had and truly a great one. You know your drinking something special. It’s like you’re in on a little secret that not many people know about. The only problem is that’s impossible to find. If you’re a Macallan fan, seek this one out at all costs.

Nose: Spicy, sweet, oak
Body: Medium, coats the mouth, thick
Finish: Long and dry

Exceptional!

Brett – 84

Now this is a BIG whisky! A favorite of two of our tasters, this dram was chock-full of sherry, but also contained strong honey notes, and that balsamic vinegar character that only happens when a sherried dram is aged well. The palate was, of course, very full-bodied, with flavors of cherry-pie filling, and (maybe) just a little too much oak. A long, soft finish helped complete the picture, slightly resinous, with oranges and grapefruits also in the mix. A quintessential “sipping whisky”.

Glen – 93

A wow whisky and one of the best Macallans I’ve had. Out of our three tasters, two of us loved this dram while the other thought the dram was aged a little long and imparted to much oak. I either love or hate Macallan, I can find no middle ground. This is one of the drams that I loved. The sherry dominates but you can taste the quality of the casks that were used in the maturation process. Smooth and complex and yet surprisingly easy going. A drink all day, finish the bottle type of whisky that oozed age and sophistication. I know what I want for Christmas!

Nose: Clean, elegent, sherry, malt, honey, musty, reminded me of an old cozy pub
Body: Medium to chewy, mouth coating
Finish: Medium length, big at first and fades away nicely, oaky, spice, silky smooth

A great whisky in the classic Macallan style.

Brett –

Glen – 86

A nice tasty dram that had that everyday dram quality to it. Fresh and clean with citrus and vanilla characteristics. The dram had a classic nose and a short but very flavorful finish. 

Nose: Fresh and clean, citrus mix, oak and malt, vanilla, floral
Body: Thick and sweet
Finish: Short and flavorful, dry, grassy, vanilla, caramel, cut grapefruit

Tasty.