Macallan 17 Fine Oak, 43% ABV, $170 USD
- Nose: Pomegranate, wood smoke, floral, Juicy Fruit gum, and a general overall fresh citrus note.
- Taste: Pineapple, mango, Runts candy (banana & apple flavour), wood smoke, and chocolate.
- Finish: Medium length, slightly drying.
- Thoughts: Really nice elegant complexity to this. The nose is very nice, its like smelling the fruit isle at an overpriced market. Probably my favorite from the Fine Oak range.
- Score: 88 – 1 value point(s) = 87/100
Macallan 18 Fine Oak, 43% ABV, £145
- Nose: Apple, cantaloupe, honey, oak, leather, floral, and a mild musty note.
- Taste: Chocolate, peanuts, pineapple, mango, honey,
- Finish: Medium length, slightly drying.
- Thoughts: Very similar to the 17, but with an added musty oakyness that doesn’t seem to add value.
- Score: 86 – 1 value point(s) = 85/100
Overall Thoughts: Both are nice expressions. You get a hints of Macallan’s typical sherry notes in these, but they are much more delicate than the bold 12 and 18 year old’s. Im not sure of the combination between the American Sherry, European Sherry and ex-bourbon casks but I think they did a slightly better job (for my palate) with the 17 year old. For me, at the current price of these bottles, I’m spending a little more to get the 18 Sherry Cask every time.
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Scores:
After my initial score I will add or subtract points relative on how I perceive value (based on what I paid for the bottle). A zero value means I think the price is justified.
0-69.5 – Don’t bother trying, life is too short for bad spirit.
70-79.5 – Worth trying, but you’re not missing out if you don’t.
80-84.5 – I recommend trying.
85-87.5 – Definitely try this!
88-92.5 – I recommend buying a bottle blind!
93-95.5 – Stuff you reserve for special pours!
96+ – The meaning of life.
Toronto Whisky Society 