Macallan Quest

Terrible. This is one of Macallan's new editions, replacing the 1824 series. I've had the "terra" before, which was a standard Macallan, scoring 8 out of 10. This one... well, don't buy it. The bottle is quite beautiful and impressive. Opening this large bottle reveals a very small, rare cork. That feels odd but doesn't affect the whisky. Bottled at 40% ABV, burnished gold color. As soon as you nose it, you get that "dulce de leche - Milky Way chocolate" aroma, typical of Macallan. You try to find something else; perhaps prune or hot coffee notes are present. Not much else is happening. On the palate, it's absolutely disappointing. Nutty, almonds, oak, in an unbalanced, unpleasant, and boring way. As you know, nutty flavors can come from heavy, rapid distillation and short fermentation. It seems they didn't put their best efforts into this one, and it definitely tastes like a cheap whisky, NOT THE FINEST CUT. Aftertaste is a little oaky and maybe some boring spiciness. I couldn't believe how bad it was; I was with four other people, and we all agreed it was terrible. I had to add water to see if anything changed, and guess what? Two drops of water turned it into... WATER. PLAIN WATER. Overall, I give this dram a 60 out of 100, and may God have mercy on its soul. P.S. Advice: after this horrible experience, pour yourself a Talisker; you'll feel much better.

Awful. This is one of Macallan's newer releases, replacing the 1824 series. I've had the "terra" before, and it was a typical Macallan, scoring an 8 out of 10. This one... well, don't purchase it. The bottle is quite attractive and imposing. Upon opening this large bottle, you find a very small, unusual cork. It feels odd but doesn't affect the whisky. Bottled at 40% ABV, with a burnished gold color. As soon as you nose it, you get that "dulce de leche - milky way chocolate" scent, characteristic of Macallan. You try to find something else; perhaps notes of prunes or hot coffee are present. Not much else is happening. On the palate, it's utterly disappointing. Nutty, almond, oak, in an unbalanced, unpleasant, and dull manner. As you know, nutty flavors can stem from heavy, rapid distillation and short fermentation. It seems to me they didn't put their best effort into this one, and it definitely tastes like a cheap whisky, NOT THE FINEST CUT. The aftertaste has a little oakiness and maybe some dull spiciness. I couldn't believe how poor this was; I was with four other people, and we all agreed it was terrible. I had to add water to see if anything changed, and guess what? Two drops of water turn it into... WATER. PLAIN WATER. Overall, I give this dram a 48 out of 100, and may God have mercy on its soul. P.S. A tip: after this terrible experience, pour yourself a Talisker; you'll feel much better.

(Vita Dulcis Advent Calendar 19/24) This is my very first Macallan. I've always shied away from it due to the significant hype surrounding it. I haven't really encountered outstanding reviews that justify its rather high price. Firstly, I was quite let down by the ABV, which is only 40% - the absolute legal minimum to be classified as scotch whisky. Therefore, right away, this aligns with Balvenie, Glenlivet, and Dalmore for me, all of which offer the same at a still high price and mostly average ratings across the board, with only a few exceptions for the absolute top tier. Nose: a mild fruity Speyside character, a candy sweetness, and some distinct sherry notes. It's a well-balanced and interesting nose, even if it's a bit weak, with plenty of honey and a bit of vanilla too. Palate: creamy sweet, marzipan, some dry grape notes, sherry and wood influences, and a mild spiciness. It's certainly likable and more intense than anticipated; finally, a 40% whisky that doesn't taste like water, but it's still very subdued, making one wonder how great it could be at around 48% ABV. Finish: medium to short and not very intense, but it still nicely preserves the flavors from the palate. Verdict: I actually found it enjoyable but didn't truly love it. It feels restrained, as if held back. I can sense the potential it might have if it were older and less diluted.

This is Macallan's travel exclusive line. Being bottled at 40% ABV with no age statement doesn't seem like a great value compared to Macallan's 12-year offerings, but I decided to get a bottle to try myself. The flavor descriptions on the box are quite accurate. In addition to the "soft citrus fruits, apple, lemon, vanilla, and subtle oak," I also detect aromas of honey, cereal, and reed. The palate features apple, ginger, almonds, and dried fruits, along with cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. The finish is long and soft with some fruit and lingering cinnamon. The mouthfeel is lighter than the standard Macallan 12, almost watery, but certainly not unpleasant. This is a pleasant light scotch with some excellent flavors. The 1-liter bottle is also a nice touch. If you typically enjoy Macallan, you will appreciate this whisky as a lighter expression with a few more fruit notes.

Aromas of light apple, with a friend detecting cocoa notes alongside the apple. Flavor - light and fruity Aftertaste - short, with honeydew. Rating - 4.0 Rating Scale 5.0 - Exceptional, incomparable to others 4.5 - Superb, I will always aim to have a bottle on hand if possible 4.0 - Very good, enjoyable to consume, a reliable selection 3.5 - Good, would sample again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Passable, still drinkable 2.0 - Subpar, drinkable but not pleasurable 1.5 and below—would not consume again unless absolutely necessary

Straw color, clear, medium to light viscosity. The nose is delicate, with hints of hay, caramel, raisins, coffee, and honeysuckle. The palate is well-balanced between sweet and umami, with bitter undertones. Hints of oak, molasses, barley, and nuts. The aftertaste is short, somewhat bitter and nutty. A few drops of water round out the palate but don't change the taste. Overall, it's not a bad dram, but not as complex as I'd prefer.