From the banks of the Spey (Macallan Single Malt Whiskey)

Member Name: zaksas

Product:	Macallan Single Malt Whiskey
Date:	22/08/01 (484 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well Balanced, Quality Speyside

Disadvantages: Not cost effective for the beginner

Macallan is one of the more famous Speyside scotches, which means it is distilled on the banks of the river Spey. It happens to be a very well balanced single malt, though not as much as Dalwhinnie.

You will find that Macallan has a light gold color and a lasting finish. Its full and complex flavor is enhanced by aging in wooden sherry casks.

The most common variety in stores now is the 15 year old, but Macallan also has 18 year old and 25 year old scotch. You can look for the 18 but you probably won't find a 25 unless you really want one and are willing to pay for it.

Also, if you are brave, the standard 86 proof (43%) Macallan can be replaced with the cask quality type, which is 120 proof. I am not sure how willing I would be to purchase the latter, anything above 105 has a tendency to have more alcohol than flavor.

In either case, Macallan only has a couple minor problems when it comes to every day consumers. It is somewhat ordinary as far as high quality single malt scotches come, having few boldly distinguishing characteristics. Also, it is about £35 a bottle, which is a bundle considering my previous statement.

So, if you've tried a number of scotches and are interested in variety, pick up a Macallan. If you are a beginner and don't know where to start, Macallan should stay on the shelf and you should get a Dalwhinnie or even a cheap Glenfiddich.

Cheers

Summary: