Macallan Fine Oak 17 Year

Smooth, almost sweet. no peet or smoke

Another review that I am carrying over from Barreled. Sample again from Lee. Like the 15 YO fine oak, this is 43% ABV and matured in ex bourbon and sherry casks. The color is more of an amber gold. Just like the 15, I don't know if it's colored or chill filtered. The nose is oak forward. Lots of floral honey. There is caramel and toffee, but it's a bit muted. A combination of dried and fresh fruits, especially pears and apricots. Some vanilla as well. The nose is improved from the 15. Additional time in the glass creates a fuller nose but sadly I didn't have enough time to spare to see it's full potential. The palate has lots of oak spices but they don't overpower you mouth. Light sherry sweetness. More oak and a hint of wood smoke. It's less lively than the 15 but a little more refined. The mouthfeel is less oily than the 15 and is slightly drying. The finish is medium long and laden with oak spices. Is this better than the 15 year old fine oak, yes. $120 better, not even close. For $240 per bottle I would have expected much more. I go back to the Glenlivet 15 and see it shine compared to the 17 and 15 year Macallans. As odd as it might sound, I immediately compared these three to guitar pickups. You can take the same guitar and put 3 different pickups in it and get 3 totally different sounds. That's what this is like to me. Somehow I am equating taste and smell to tones. The Macallans are focusing on the highs and are very bright sounding, while the Glenlivet is warmer sounding and boosts the mids. Maybe I'm just crazy. Anyways, I would not buy this at $240, probably not at the $120 price of the 15 either. 3.5

Fresh tart green apple dipped in pure honey. Not long lasting but very delightful and pleasant throughout.