LeeEvolved
Macallan Fine Oak 17 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
November 9, 2016 (edited August 4, 2017)
So, I'm down to about 4-5oz of the wonderful Macallan 15 year fine oak left and I really want to do a side-by-side comparison with the 17 year version. It's now or never...
At first glance, there is a very noticeable difference in color. Both are a shiny, golden yellow with the 17 showcasing a slightly darker, shadowy hue as it sits in the Glencairn. Both come in at 86 proof and neither produce very noticeable legs after a vigorous swirl.
Upon nosing them they both really bring fresh, vibrant oak to the forefront. There's a bit more sweet vanilla in the 15 year, while the 17 is nicely balanced between vanilla and sherry. Very nice.
On the tongue, they both have a magnificent fresh oak blast that really makes you take notice. The smooth and refined Macallan flavor profile immediately pops to mind and I instantly love them both, equally. The finish is so luscious that you can't really go wrong with either one. Long, smooth and freaking delicious.
It's so hard to bash the 17 year, even though it's substantially higher in price than the 15. I know the 17 is $230+ and that's expensive as hell. I'm reminded it's Macallan we are talking about here so you are expected to excuse the price tag and just remind yourself it's a luxury whisky. Well, I can't always do that but this time I gotta give them a pass. Pony up the money, fanboys. Its Macallan! Cheers. (Drops mic)
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My initial response to that is no, Pranay. They are very similar in flavor and complexity. The 17 is slightly sweeter while the 15 showcases the oak a bit better. That being said, I love the challenge of just trying to decipher the subtle differences between single malts from the same family line. I like to think it helps me gain a greater ability to review and enjoy whisky. So, in that sense, it's worth it to me. But, if you didn't have any of the descriptors listed in mine or other's reviews, I doubt you could tell the difference in a blind taste test. I know I couldn't. I hope that helps make your decision to buy or not to buy a bit easier. Cheers.
I had the 15, which I thought was amazing. I've been meaning to buy this one, but the price tag was always off-putting. Do you think this is substantially better than the 15 to warrant that big difference?