Triple cask matured? That basically means three types of casks were used for the Macallan 18yo Fine Oak. Which? Both European oak and American oak ex-sherry casks, as well as American oak ex-bourbon casks. From the taste of it, the latter make up the largest part of this vatting.
A Macallan with an age statement is a precious commodity, which is reflected in the retail price. You’d be hard-pressed to find it for less than 300 euro online.
Macallan 18yo (43%, OB, Fine Oak ‘Triple Cask Matured’)
Nose: Sweet and malty, along with honey, crème brûlée and traces of burlap and old books. Some fruitier notes also, with stewed pears and cherries. Pleasantly balanced. Warm and comforting.
Taste: Bitter oranges and charred oak. Pretty woody and fairly peppery, especially at such a low alcohol percentage. Now sweeter notes of raisins and vanilla. A step down from the nose.
Finish: A fairly fruity finish, with some raisins, but also lots of oak.
Rating: 83
What started pretty promising, turned into a bit of a letdown. By no means necessary is this a bad whisky, but the balanced nose is followed by an out of balance palate. Too much oak. Not worth the price of admission.
