
September 6, 2018

Little duets, today more Macallan

Simply because that Edition N°4 was rather underwhelming the other day. Mind you, seven oaks… Hey, why not try some new one that’s seen ‘only’ three oaks?

Macallan 12 yo ‘Triple Cask’ (40%, OB, 2018)

Look, I don’t want to know about these triple casks. Were they successive or concomitant? Sherry or bourbon? American or European? Refill or first fill? Is that really important? What’s sure is that this is new, and that this expression seems to come after the previous… ‘Double Cask’. But naturally… The ABV’s a little, say stingy. Colour: pale gold. Nose: I like this so much better than the Edition N°4! It’s much fresher, brighter, fruitier, with more preserved fruits, various honeys, that floral side that works so well in Macallan (yellow flowers), and even wee touches of litchis and rose petals. You’re right, proper gewürztraminer. Mouth: yes sir or ma’am, this is very nice indeed. Classic Macallan, with this wee toasted side that’s so pleasant, brioche, raisins, cakes, drops of mead, and some special honey. Why not manuka? Very good, and even the low strength does not raise any problems. Finish: medium, fresh, cake-y and honeyed, very nice. Comments: why not simply drop that strange ‘triple cask’ moniker? In my book it makes this whisky look dodgy, while it’s actually just very excellent. High class entry-level Macallan, I’m really very happy.
SGP:551 - 87 points.

Macallan ‘Quest’ (40%, OB, travel retail, 1l, 2018)

Ha, NAS and travel retail… Makes you want to stay at home, doesn’t it. Oh and apparently, this is quadruple-oak stuff, but they wouldn’t insist on that part on the label. Better like that, I would say. Colour: gold. Nose: the 12 with more vanilla, cinnamon rolls, nutmeg sauce, and ginger lollipops (making this up but I’m a little bored)… Mouth: better, that is to say closer to the 12, but there is a green tannicity that’s waking up. Strong green tea, tobacco leaves, more cinnamon… Oh let’s be quick… Finish: medium, a tad too oaky for me. That’s right, it’s rather planky. Comments: I still like it a little better than Edition N°… what was the number again? But I much prefer the very lovely new 12.
SGP:461 - 81 points.

Check the index of all Macallan we've tasted so far