Richard-Davenport
Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak Cask
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
August 10, 2022 (edited September 1, 2023)
Iconic
It seems to have become fashionable for whisky afficionados to diss Macallan--especially Macallan 18. It ain't cheap. It's a mainstay for suits in expense-account steakhouses, many of whom are not only oblivious to its sublimity but also to the scarcity of a spirit that has taken 18 years to mature. In spite of this, it is a force to be reckoned with, and no serious whisky drinker can ignore it. Serenity Prayer time, ladies and gents: you may think it is overpriced, or has snob appeal, or is not as good as X, Y, or Z. But it is a benchmark over which you have no control, so God grant you the wisdom to accept this fact that you cannot change, because it cannot be overlooked.
Beautiful deep tawny orange color. Generous nose shows golden raisins, dates, brown sugar, spice cake, orange oil, and vanilla. Soft, viscous mouthfeel, subtle spice, a little ginger, and some espresso flavors on the long finish. Serious, elegant, and seamless. 4.5+ on the Distiller scale.
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
@teebone673 thanks, and I'm glad you've gotten to experience it. If you are ever in my neck of the woods in CT, I'm happy to give you a pour on the house!
This review is right on the money. I’ve had two drams of Macallan 18 so far in my lifetime. Those drams were at two different whisky bars, 8 years apart. To this day those are the two best drams I’ve yet to experience. Macallan 18 is a straight winner in my book.
@Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington $400 for ETL is indeed crazy, as is $150 for Blanton's. There comes a point where you just don't pay, and I'd never pay either of those two prices for either of those (luckily I have some of both in reserve). Mac18 hasn't seen that %age of price appreciation, fortunately. Still expensive but hasn't skyrocketed like some bourbons. Also, you can typically always find it.
@PBMichiganWolverine I’ll just take the cheap stuff, and probably some pricy scotch - although at this point I’m about to play Barrell Craft Spirits with my cabinet of open bottles instead…
In all my years I have been drinking scotch and bourbon, I have never had a chance to taste this one. I am curious to it. @Ctrexman Agteed. succinctly stated. Right to the heart.
@Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington i just saw Russell’s Reserve 13 here on the shelf for $400. Wow, that is like 5x of a normal 13 yr old bourbon.
Still makes far more sense than paying $400 for an Elmer T Lee or $150 for Blanton’s as far as love-hate bourbon benchmarks go
Macallan is what got me into scotch, and it’s still more or less the standard against which I compare non-Islays.
Very well said!
The Johnnie Blue of Single Malts