The Macallan 15 yr old Fine Oak - Single Malt Scotch Review

Background
The Macallan distillery, the producer of a world famous single malt scotch is located in the Speyside region of Scotland. Although this distillery has a long history in Scotland, as far back as 1824 (and probably before that on an illegal basis), the single malt scotch was not available outside of Scotland until 1980.

Before 1980, the spirit was sold in the country as a single malt and the vast majority of the spirit was sold to other companies that would blend the Macallan with other single malts and grain whisky in order to produce a scotch blend. A notable example is the Famous Grouse Scotch blend. The Macallan is a key single malt in that blend and quite noticeable.  In 1980, the owners of the brand started exporting the malt.  Macallan was instantly popular. 

This is due to the unique flavor profile, one that is dominated by sherry. Production of this spirit involves storing it in oak casks that previously held Spanish sherry. In 2004 a new product line was introduced entitled "Fine Oak." This spirit is stored in European (Spain) sherry oak casks, but then it is transferred to American oak sherry casks and finally to American oak casks that previously held bourbon. This triple cask maturation of the spirit produces the 15 yr old Fine Oak.

Suggested Serving
This is an expensive single malt, so it goes without saying that is definitely not appropriate to use this in mixed drinks of any kind. If you want 'Rob Roy' or add soda, use Johnnie Walker Red. That said, how one enjoys their single malt scotch is up to the individual's personal taste. 

Neat (nothing added) is certainly appropriate. Take a little sip, let it roll on the tongue before swallowing. 

A little water, by little, I mean a drop or two of distilled or artesian water is certainly acceptable.  

Ice? A rather expensive proposition to dilute this malt, but many consumers like ice.  In any event, as it melts after about two minutes, a sip deliver a much softened flavor. If you choose ice, one cube only, no more than that because the drink will be overly diluted (some would argue a single cube does irreparable damage to the flavor profile).

Nose (undiluted)
Lots of vanilla and mango notes.

Palate (undiluted)
It goes without saying that sherry and oak are major adornments of the flavor profile. This oak is similar to a Californian red wine like Silver Oak. Unlike most scotch, there is a wine like flavor and texture to this that initially is very pleasing but unfortunately becomes prune-like the longer it is lolled around on one's tongue. There are fruit flavors at play also, but not of the citrus variety, but rather raisin, cooked apple and bruised tangerine. The flavors are delicately held together.

Finish (undiluted)
The cooked fruit, or warm fruit cup continues into the finish with a little spice and then disappears. The flavor does not remain long. Not a short finish, but I was expecting something longer lingering on the palate after it is downed.

General Impressions
This is basically a sherried scotch with lots of toasted oak flavor that moves towards an assortment of cooked fruits. There is a wine-like, prune oriented end to the tasting experience that I do not particularly enjoy.  As I drink this, I think to myself that the standard sherried 12 year old Macallan is better and cheaper to boot.

You will not offend anyone by serving it to them. They will enjoy a good quality single malt, but it will be on your dime. From a purely taste perspective, this is flavorful, distinguished, but ultimately a little flawed with respect to the cooked dark fruit notes. The reason I cannot recommend this single malt is because the price makes it unreasonable. It is too expensive for what it provides. The 12 yr, sherried version is cheaper and in my humble opinion, better.  Glendronach 12 or 15 would better choices for those seeking sherried Scotch whiskies.  

If you are seeking a show-stopper of a single malt, then pass this one by and go directly to the Macallan 18yr old sherry oak (not the fine oak).  The 18 yr old sherried bottling provides the quintessential Macallan experience. Please note there is a 18yr old Fine Oak, and I have not tried it, and therefore can't recommend it.The bottom line is I would not buy this one again because of the price and the unpleasant cooked fruit notes on the finish.

I revisited this malt a few years later and you can read that review here.

Cheers!



Jason Debly




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