Macallan Classic Cut 2017, 58.4% ABV, $75 USD

• Nose: Sherry and oak off the top, grape soda, grape Kool Aid powder, oranges, and chocolate orange.
• Taste: Oak, spice, oranges, fudge, milk chocolate, hazel nuts, grape popsicle.
• Finish:  Medium/long, slightly hot, milk chocolate, oak and grape notes linger.
• Thoughts: You get a little of what Macallan Cask Strength gives you. The Macallan character is in there, but this is pretty unbalanced. The oak notes are not complementary, and they take away from the overall enjoyment. You get waves of really nice chocolate and orange, but then artificial grape notes hit you and somewhat spoil the experience. I really want to love this whisky, and for split-seconds I do. But overall this is slightly disappointing. It does not match the original Cask Strength Macallan at all. I feel like the plastic grape notes I get are the result of their “Seasoned Casks” (instead of original sherry casks). This probably could also have used some more time, it tastes a little too youthful. That being said, I do like the whisky, but I don’t love it. Water boosts the oak on the nose, and rounds out the finish; makes it a little more creamy. I found it on sale for $74.99 in Florida; for that price I think it’s worth getting a bottle, not sure how the LCBO will price it, but the Editions 2 and 3 are probably better buys.
  
• Score: 85.5 + 0 value point(s) = 85.5/100

Scores:

After my initial score I 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.