The Macallan Select Oak
40% ABV - Speyside, Scotland
Nose: Wow! Heavy sweetness, and deep flavours. Prunes, chocolate covered cherries, slight currant, marmalade, and raisin. It packs a punch.
Taste: Dark red fruits and sherry spices – definitely not unexpected after that wallop of a nose. There is an interesting saline characteristic; a bitterness. Tannic wood starts the transition to the finish.
Finish: Lasting ripe red fruits, cherry wood, and high cacao chocolate.
Travel Retail Exclusives can really be hit or mess, and I’ve read a few opinion pieces regarding their supposed quality. However, this one is definitely a hit! Noting it’s been a long time since I scored points so high on the nose… the taste and finish prevented this whisky from surpassing the 90-mark. If only this wasn’t bottled at the mere 40% ABV. I would highly recommended as it’s a bargain for this 1L treat.
Tasted July 10 2018.
89/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
