Macallan 18 yr. 1996 VIntage (Sherry Oak Casks) 43% ABV I have to admit, the very notion of engaging and documenting a TRUE tasting of this dram has been (and still is in some respects) very intimidating to me. Why you may ask? Simply because the reputation of the Macallan 18 precedes itself; especially throughout the circles of master tasters and connoisseurs alike. For me, a novice taster, this is one of the first, true “Gold Standards” that I have chosen to taste and believe me when I say that every recommendation, award, glowing review, chant of praise and ratings stars that have been heaped upon this product are completely and utterly incontrovertibly earned and proven. To make a long introduction short…tasting this dram was simply…wondrous. On the Nose: Amidst the ever-present fingerprints of a Highland expression I discovered a traditional sweetness; layers of orange creme and vanilla, honey, a note of spiciness, a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon, a hint of lemon zest. A deeper and more conscious nosing also revealed whispers of dried red fruits and a blossom of floral bouquet. Tasting - Neat: Full and intense with a mouth puckering tartness from the Sherry Oak Casks, accompanied by the familiar spiciness from those 18 years of maturation in the sherry wood. Incredibly sweet on the tip of the tongue yet so finely balanced as not to linger as the spirit washed over the tongue. Further tastings revealed quite a greater and more robust palate with vibrant notes of vanilla, caramel, sweet golden raisins, ginger, and a hint of aged and aromatic leather. The subdued quality of the 43% ABV allows the dram to exercise its true flavor complexity with the roundness and balance of the finest traditions of the Macallan and Highland profile. Finish: Clean yet surprisingly long and fulfilling; a tapering complexity that the dryness of the sherry influence exercises upon the palate. Round and robust and superbly balanced so that no one single note is overpowering. A truly brilliant finish that creates a certain longing and inspires and entices a second pouring. In Conclusion: As a self-proclaimed champion and passionate enthusiast for most of the Islay distilleries - especially Ardbeg and Laphroaig, this Macallan 18 yr Sherry Oak whisky at 43% ABV has probably come the closest to making me re-evaluate what I expect from a Scotch Single Malt whisky. The execution is nearly flawless with what I feel is an almost perfect offering of aroma, color, taste and quality. There is an almost eerie smoothness to the spirt and, because it is so “un-aggressive” throughout the tasting, you can completely immerse your palate in the experience of the flavor profile complexity without the traditional “expectations” of whisky being unmercifully strong, or only for the truly stalwart and stoic palates. Now...I truly believe that there is no “perfect” whisky as certain profiles naturally gravitate towards certain palates and tasting audiences. However, this Macallan 18 is quite possibly one of the best whiskys I have tasted and has earned its place amongst my choice of “top shelf” drams. I was fortunate enough to conduct my tasting from a 3 cl sample that I purchased from Drinks By The Dram - because I full 750 mL bottle is quite expensive and this is not your “everyday dram”; the kind you traditionally enjoy after a difficult day of work or to share among friends. This is the kind of dram that you SAVOR, that you cherish because it is worth taking the time to slowly sip and “experience” instead of ingest. This is the kind of product that defines the true artistry and craftsmanship of whisky distilling and illustrates the sheer commitment to excellence for which the Macallan brand is perpetually known. Highly recommended!!! 95/100 Sláinte (good health)