Macallan 10 Fine Oak Review

Country: Scotland

Brand: Macallan Fine Oak

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Region: Highland 

Age: 10 Years 

Alcohol: 40%

Date: 22/08/2013

Colour: Pale Straw

Nose: Rather young, thin and not very complex. The Alcohol is not yet fully integrated. Nevertheless it's not unpleasant. Fruity and Floral. Buttered Puff Pastry and Orange Marmalade, Vanilla, Grain, Butterscotch, light Sherry, Green Oak, Straw, Honey, Cherries, Pineapple, Heather and Milk Chocolate. 

Taste: Slightly Thin Delivery with Barley Sugar, Bitter Oak, Lemon, Vanilla, Spices, Cocoa Powder, Nuts, Caramel, Orange Peel and Honey. Hints of White Wine. 

Finish: Middle-Long with slightly Bitter Oak, Citrus, Spices, Cherry Flavoured Candies and Honey.

I added a few drops of water and you gain extra Honey, Heather, Vanilla, Butterscotch, Apricot and Milk Chocolate on the Nose. Palate and Finish suffer from the added Water. But it pays off to Nose it after adding half a teaspoon of Water.

Rating: 81.5

Nose: 21 - Taste: 20  – Finish: 20 – Overall: 20.5

General Remarks: The Macallan Distillery was founded in 1824 and is located in Craigellachie, Moray. It is part of the Edrington Group since 1999. Generally, the Macallan whisky is considered a Sherried Speysider by nature although by law (2009) Craigellachie is considered Highland territory. Most Macallans traditionally matured in Ex- Sherry Casks from Jerez. In 2004 however the Fine Oak Series were introduced. The spirit matures in a mix of Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry Casks. In fact the label states "Triple Cask Matured" as some of the Bourbon White Oak Casks were seasoned with Sherry and others with Bourbon. There are quite a few people that suspect that the lack of availability of Ex-Sherry Casks was at least one of the reasons to launch the Fine Oak. Worldwide, Macallan is one of the biggest selling Single Malts alongside Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. Prices of the 10 Fine Oak vary from place to place but usually it is priced in the range of 40 to 70 US Dollars.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: Many Macallan fans were not very thrilled when the Fine Oak Series were released as the Sherry forms such an important part of the Macallan flavour profile. Judged on a stand-alone basis however the 10 Years Fine Oak is a simple but not unpleasant entry Single Malt. Not unlike a standard Glenlivet for example. It does not score higher because of the Bitter Oak that spoils a lot of the fun. And that's a pity! 

Jan van den Ende                                                             August  2013