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  • the macallan 12 years old

    The Macallan 12 Years Old 86
    Distillery
    The Macallan
    Style
    Single Malt
    Release
    Unspecified
    Age
    12 Years
    Alcohol
    43% abv.
    Region
    Scotland, Speyside
    Bottled For
    Distillery

    Described by Paul Pacult, the renowned international whisky writer, in his book Kindred Spirits as: "simply the best 12 Year Old single malt around", The Macallan has justly reaped such critical acclaim. The secret of The Macallan lies in defiant adherence to traditional methods and ingredients. The continued use of finest Golden Promise barley and the insistence on the finest oak casks are just two of the pre-requisites for perfection.

    review by p-tuck

    90
    Color
    amber
    Nose
    light smoke, citrus, zesty, flavorful
    Body
    slightly harsh, zesty, and ending smooth
    Palate
    Sherry
    Finish
    Warm and zesty

    great classic scotch

    review by flipper_gv

    90
    Color
    Light gold
    Nose
    Eventually, lots of smoke going on here. Sea salt and peat are present too. Some malty sweetness going on: caramel, toffee and vanilla mostly. A bit of floral/fruity stuff going on in the background. Oak is present also.
    Body
    Not heavy (medium), but still oily in texture.
    Palate
    SMOKE! Some malty sweetness (read toffee, vanilla and molasses) upfront but quickly dissipates to a little bit of peat and Oak. Sea salt is there all along. The floral and fruity characteristics of the smell aren't present much here.
    Finish
    Medium to long. Smooth. Smoke, then oak, then it gets a bit sweet (molasses and toffee mostly).

    Very very well balanced, which is hard to accomplish with so much strong flavors going on (smoke, oak, etc...). I was really impressed with this whisky, especially if I keep in mind its (relatively) low price. One that I'm sure will enjoy a lot.

    review by linusstick

    75
    Color
    Light gold
    Nose
    Earth, light fruit and hint of roasted malt
    Body
    Light
    Palate
    Very smooth and sweet. Iodine with a hint of saltiness.
    Finish
    Very light and slightly warm finish for being 86 proof.

    Not bad. I like a little more rough edges and a more agressive flavor, but for those who are looking for a mild mannered smooth whisky, this is perfect.

    review by anonymous

    85
    Color
    deep, darrk, sort of burgundy-red.
    Nose
    Woody, nutty, hints of sherry.
    Body
    Full bodied
    Palate
    Strong, nutyy, woody flavor.
    Finish
    Long, stong, Warm finidh

    Excellent finish, very strong and warm. Enjoyed well on its own.

    review by anonymous

    73
    Color
    Darker than most
    Nose
    Sweet, a bit tannic, light smoke
    Body
    Oily, piercing
    Palate
    Unpleasant. Sherry overpowers everything. Not balanced.
    Finish
    Lingering sherry, a little sting.

    I found this to be highly overrated. Most flavors are meek, and the strong sherry just ruins it for me. I don't like it when my whiskey tastes like wine.

    review by coloradodram

    89
    Color
    Deep dark copper.
    Nose
    Rich, dry, sherry wine.
    Body
    Medium-light bodied - not overly gripping on the tongue, if even the legs betray this.
    Palate
    Candied roses dipped in thick wine, then baked with a topping of white pepper flakes and served on dark rock sugar.
    Finish
    Short and lacks a lot of depth, but the peppery dry warmth (especially with a dash of water) invites sip after delicious sip.

    Definitely a dessert scotch, this is a can't-miss introduction to all your friends who drink wine. Dry, sweet, and inviting, try this one with some dark and/or orange chocolate to discover a world of Speyside sherry bliss.

    review by thedippmann

    89
    Color
    Liquid gold
    Nose
    Very light, slight woodiness
    Body
    Very light and smooth
    Palate
    Slight peat, cinnamon, and a butterscotch sweet.
    Finish
    Amazing finish, makes my tongue salivate.

    The Macallan is a surefire any day. It's worth the price if you enjoy a good Scotch. One of my favorites!

    review by mandrake

    87
    Color
    Burnt honey
    Nose
    Woody, caramel, butter. Roses and a medicinal note.
    Body
    Fairly full body.
    Palate
    Light smoke, oak, orange, nutty, heather.
    Finish
    A bit curt, heather and phenol.

    Great depth for a 12 yr, nice fruit and cask elements. Nose is so fantastic that it disappoints a bit on the palate. Still top-drawer.

    review by eddie

    88
    Color
    Dark Amber
    Nose
    Flowery, Honey and a little Wood.
    Body
    Full Body and a Good Alcohol Feel.
    Palate
    Sherry, Fruit, Wood, Sweet and a slight Burn.
    Finish
    Warm and Mouth Coating along with a little Butterscotch.

    Don't think I've had a Macallan that didn't taste good, This is no exception. I Love the Islands and if I want a change this is one of the bottles I reach for.

    review by mp

    97
    Color
    Very dark gold, bronze-ish
    Nose
    Orange, Peach, Roses
    Body
    Full bodied
    Palate
    Walnuts, Peach, Flowers, Apples, Oranges.
    Finish
    Medium finish, smooth end. Cool.

    One of the best i've had. Goes down extremely smooth, lacks the long finish, however, very cooling, and rarely hot. Well worth the price of $90/bottle. Floral and fruity are the definitive characteristics of this whisky.