The Macallan Edition No. 1

Fuck COVID and fellow humans, I haven't seen Cottonelle on the shelves for weeks. Do you know how much a vintage 2020 Cottonelle will be worth at auction in a few years? There are no whiskies that are as analogous to my disappointment with the human race as the Macallan Edition series. Around the time Macallan Ed 3 was being released, I still had 3 out-of-the-way small local liquor stores carrying edition 1 with probably about a dozen bottles on the shelves between them. I knew this edition was much less common than the celebrated edition 2, so I wound up buying 3 bottles, one at each store (because I have decency), at prices ranging from $105-120. I had no idea the secondary market was about to lose their shit for this whisky. I soon saw prices at online stores go above $500, and a friend was like, “Oh my god! You have edition 1?” So, I tried to go back to those stores to buy a bottle for him, and just like that, all 12 or so bottles had vanished. I have an Instagram whisky account, I guess the hipsters shorten this to WhiskyGram, only because my wife wanted me on Instagram to compete with our dog’s account. My account is MaltyMemories, in case you’re interested. I’m not giving you my dog’s account, because she’s winning. I see accounts on Instagram with people showing off about a case of unopened Macallan Editions 1, 2, and even the later editions. People are snatching up editions 3, 4, and 5? Really? It is like snatching up Cottonelle toilet paper. I would like to have Cottonelle, but I’m not heartbroken buying Kirkland Signature. It’s toilet paper. Macallan Edition series is toilet paper. I tried to convince myself that Edition 1 is the best, because it is the rarest, but let’s be honest, Macallan Edition 2 is the aloe-infused, extra-plush standout roll of toilet paper that gave celebrity to the series. Edition 2 had a sensible and realized purpose. Edition 1 is a bunch of different woods. In the end, this is slightly stronger Macallan 12 sherry oak circa 2014-15. Yeah, there’s more wood spices, if you’re into that thing. This is the most traditional Macallan of the Edition series, if you’re into that thing. But there’s also younger whisky that makes an unwelcomed appearance on the finish. And, in the end, it’s boring. Like Cottonelle, if unopened, you may have next month’s rent, if you can find a sucker; but, once opened, it’s just toilet paper. Score: 0 (forgettable) How much does a bottle cost: $800-2000+ on secondary market How much do I think a bottle is worth: $100 (if you are planning to consume it).

Okay, let's get started. During my experiences at Whisky Live, I purchased a 'special tasting event' which included three Macallans. The editions No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3. Editions 1 and 2 are completely discontinued and highly collectible. No. 3 has just arrived on the market in limited quantities, and is expected to be discontinued soon. I had the opportunity to taste all 3, and No. 1 was my favorite. I'm not a huge Macallan fan, but I always maintain that they don't produce any whisky scoring below 85 out of 100. This holds true for me. Bottled, I believe in 2015, in limited amounts, at 48% ABV. On the nose: Oak but perfumed, Vanilla, Lemon, Chocolate milk. Almost no typical Macallan profile here. On the palate: Toffee, Lemon, Liquorice, Orange, Spicy but not in the typical Macallan way; a marvelous spiciness with chocolate. A little oily but very balanced. Complex yet fine and simple flavors. The finish is medium long with a pleasant and distinctive spiciness. It is very well-balanced, which is its strong suit. Overall, I award this excellent dram a 96 out of 100. Cheers!

I had the opportunity to try this limited release (which, halfway through 2016, is still readily available at most shops, so how "limited" is it really?) at the Brandy Library in NYC. This new non-age-statement whiskey clearly incorporates some aged sherry casks; it possesses the rich red-fruit sherry character expected from Macallan's core offerings. Vanilla notes are present on both the nose and palate. This release seems to combine elements of the Sherry Oak and Fine Oak ranges, leaning slightly more towards the former. The finish has some wood spice and moderate warmth, likely due to the higher alcohol content designed for American palates accustomed to higher-proof bourbons. While the steadfast anti-NAS crowd will object, this is an excellent offering from Macallan.

Nose: Similar to Macallan 12 double cask but more intense? Lacks depth due to prominent sherry notes. Perhaps hints of vanilla, orange zest? Taste: Again, an amplified Macallan double cask. The spice here is significantly bolder than in the Macallan double cask. The spice is far more potent than in most Macallans I've sampled. Nutmeg, strong oak presence. Quite arid. Aftertaste: Medium in length, featuring spices and faint sherry undertones. Overall: Decent, a whiskey with more spice compared to Macallan 12 / double cask.

12/30/17 - $103.99 off the shelf. The aroma on this is amazing. Vanilla, sweet, really amazing. It’s too bad the taste falls flat. It hits your mouth with a rich feeling, but none of the aroma is present. Spicy and dry, it finishes with a little smoke and falls flat. Based on what this sells for on the secondary market, I’m shocked there wasn’t more to this. It’s good, it’s a very good Macallan... but doesn’t live up to the expectations I had based on Edition #3. 3.5/5

Nose is overwhelmingly sweet with caramel, citrus, and cherry. The taste doesn't match the aroma's promise. Vanilla and honey in the middle, but it thins out fast. Doesn't live up to the hype. Quite a letdown.