Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak Cask

Dusting off another long overdue review that’s been sitting in my draft folder. You know me. I taste, I write down initial impressions. Then I ponder, and if other tasting opportunities presents itself, maybe some new hidden notes. Then I post. So some of my reviews tend to lag a bit behind the actual date of taste. That’s my process and I’m sticking to it...for now. Heads-up/spoiler alert...lazy imitation attempt at old Shakespearean english coming up! Backdrop: In ATL for a leadership conference. Wrapping up team dinner at a fine establishment (aka another opportunity to try some “pricey” drams on the company’s dime). I was looking for a “legitimate” night cap to close out a great night before heading back to the hotel. Oh ye Macallan 18, thou reputation dost precede thee...to no avail, in my book. Thou art been greatly lauded doth far by imbibers across the spectrum. Dost thy perceived greatness deserved...or fallacy? Tis thy chance to astound me. In case you were wondering, I was bit of an old English nerd in high school...possibly ONLY when it served my purpose. I’m partial on Shakespeare. Nonetheless, enough with the “contrived” Elizabethan english . Take this review for what it’s worth given it wasn’t in a controlled environment and was after tasting other alcoholic bevs that evening. To be fair (and if it makes you feel any better), I did take out my phone there and then to jot down my tasting notes. My colleagues probably thought I was crazy. So without much further ado, let’s indulge shall we. Nose (4) vanilla galore, low fat caramel, [reminiscent of bourbon notes], light sherry. Good, balanced nose. Didn’t pick up a lot of oak. Some sweetness. Pineapple?? Banana foster. Banana Candy? Can’t tell exactly but defintely some tropical fruits coming through. Palate (3.75): Follows the nose very closely. The sherry flavors are more pronounced here but not overwhelming. Good balance. Finish (3.75 ) - Medium. Sherry, vanilla. Ending with Star anise / bitterness/oak tannins. Not unpleasant. Overall (3.75 stars). To buy or not to buy? That is the question. I went in expecting at least a 4-star dram, and it came close. But alas, given subpar vfm + Macallan self-imposed atmospheric standards, it wasn’t not flawed (I know, double negative. Sue me). I guess what I’m trying to say is, for a well-aged Macallan at the $250+ price point, I expected near perfection. Maybe it was the environment, maybe my taste buds were off that day. Whatever it was, it didn’t quite live up to the expectation. Still a nice dram. Would NOT turn it down if offered but will not likely add to my collection...unless maybe as a gift (wink wink). Upon this dram I proclaim 3.5 - 3.75⭐️

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