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Macallan 15 Year Old Fine Oak

Give it time to work its magic.

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@AKGcandlefishReview by @AKGcandlefish

18th Dec 2012

0

Macallan 15 Year Old Fine Oak
  • Nose
    20
  • Taste
    22
  • Finish
    23
  • Balance
    21
  • Overall
    86

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

Color: amber.

Nose: On first whiff the odor of alcohol is overwhelming, like sniffing astringent. Let it breath a little, and the nose opens up quite a bit. The scent of alcohol gradually gives way to a perfume that separates into pine, citrus, walnuts, and especially caramel.

Body: full and syrupy.

Palate: Ah, here's the oak. Very woody with a pinch of pepper. But also chocolate covered bananas drizzled in caramel. Adding a few drops of water really brings out the contrast between the sweet and spicy.

Finish: Salted plantain chips and herbal tea. Menthol steaming up the throat. Long, warm, and satisfying. Dark chocolate and mint linger on the tongue for minutes.

I really didn't care for this bottle on my first try. The bite of the alcohol in the nostrils just really overwhelmed everything else this whiskey had to offer. I tasted bitter oak and little else. Revisiting it now, letting it breath for a few minutes was definitely key. A lot of conflicting sensations throughout, yet they somehow work together to offer a very fulfilling experience. I'm glad I gave this one time to work its magic. The finish is probably my favorite part.

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3 comments

R
Rigmorole commented

I see you haven't rated the 12 sherry cask mac. Me, I've never tried the fine oaks. I should go there. My hesitation has always stemmed from the suspicion that I might find the Mac fine oaks to be too bitter. Bitter oak doesn't appeal to me. For instance, I found the Glenmorangie Astar to be too bitter for my liking. Well, it's 1:16 and I should have retired to bed an hour ago. Thanks for the review, fish. I'm now going to try the fine oak 15 if I can find it, or at least the 12. You've convinced me.

11 years ago 0

@AKGcandlefish
AKGcandlefish commented

I found it bitter at first myself. In fact, I immediately regretted buying it on first try. It was tasting a lot of other Scotches and expanding my palate that helped me give this one another shot and appreciate what it had to offer. I want to try the 10 year. I hear it ranks up there with the 15 but much cheaper.

11 years ago 0

@GregLogan
GregLogan commented

I would stay with the 15y - the 10y is okay - but you won't be satisfied. The 10y needs more time in the barrel - a wee bit of white dog taste seeps through and not nearly enough other taste.

The only problem with the 15 is that it is overpriced. I would be good at $50/bottle. I would make it a staple at $40. I pay $70US + WA Tax at Total Wine in Lynnwood, WA.

10 years ago 0