Macallan Fine Oak 12 Year

Nose: Peach, orange zest, cereal, almonds, a rather fine sherry note and a little bit of vanilla. In the background a hint of spicy oak. Palate: The arrival is sweet and spicy, a combination of white grapes and barley sugar. More spicy notes appear in the development - mild ginger and sweet chili - together with sultanas and almonds. Malty cereal flavours build up supported by a clean oak presence. The body is light but creamy and very enjoyable. Finish: Fairly short, but satisfying. Malty and honey sweet. The slightest hint of bitter cacao right at the end accompanying lingering oak flavours, but this is countered by sweet sherry notes and a fresh minty presence. Crisp and clean, this is a nicely balanced and well-structured whisky. I was expecting something much more oak-heavy but instead the casks play a subtle supporting role. There is a definite oak foundation but the multiple casks are mainly providing balance and complexity of spice for the dominant character, which is cereal and fruit. Very pleasant, but just a little over-priced. If you can find it on special it's worth trying, but note that if it's the sherried profile of traditional Macallan that you like then this might not be to your taste. "Above Average" : 81/100 (3 stars)