Review: The Macallan 18-Year-Old

Review:

The Macallan 18-Year-Old

43% ABV 86 Proof. Aged: 18 years. 100% malted barley. Triple Cask Matured

We found ourselves inside my favourite whisky bar.  After a long day, I couldn’t think of a better place to be.  The menu; exhaustive, the venue; filled with a quiet and intimate ambience. With over 100 whiskies, what to select is usually overwhelming but on this occasion our attention was immediately drawn towards The Macallan 18.

The 18 is referred to as “the iconic Macallan” by the producers themselves, this was going to be the first time for me.  I have always loved scotch from the Speyside region of Scotland.  It is the home of many famous producers including the two best-selling single malt whiskies around the world, The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. These two distilleries are known for their light, sweet and honeyed single malts.  Then there is The Macallan and Glenfarclas producing the big bodied, sherried flavours so many people love.

Back to the story; I have always been drawn to a good single malt, it is something about the purity of the form, like a romance of art, requiring an exceptional craftsman to get it right. A fresh bottle was presented, we hear the crisp snap of the seal followed by the hollow pop of the cork, our taste buds started to salivate, we knew we were in for a treat.

The glass was poured, “ice or neat” said the bar person. With no hesitation “neat please”.  I gazed into the glass, the (appearance) a caramel amber, with lingering strong legs that coat the sides, ever so slowly returning to the bottom.  The (nose) I experience the aromas of sherry, cinnamon and butter, with spiced plums and berries.