In my scotch journey I started with Monkey shoulder and went to Highland Park and Macallen. Then I tried Ardbeg and Laphroag and my journey now is all about Islay. Granted I’ve only had the 10 but dang that stuff is so good.
Great episode guys. Interesting you thought/agreed the Bourbon cask addition didn't do much except thin out the Sherry influence. There are a handful of independent bottlings of Macallan out there that are all Bourbon Cask. It would be interesting to see that added to the mix, although I think most of them are eye-wateringly expensive here in the states.
My local store frequently does barrel picks from the independent bottlers so a few years ago they got an ex-bourbon cask strength Macallan and sold it for $59.99! The only caveat was the label never mentioning Macallan due to new contracts with Edrington (they used to allow the Macallan name on indie bottles but not recently)
I dig Glenallachie for a 12 yr sherried Scotch. Probably over both Macallan and Glendronach. Give it a shot if you haven't tried it. Thanks for another great video!
This was my first video of y'alls. You have a great energy. I can tell you've been friends for a long time. I'm going to check out more of your videos now. Cheers.
Dillon always finding bottles for cheaper than I’ve ever seen them… anywhere. 😆 But I’m in complete agreement with his take, the sherry cask is a great, simple oak and sherry scotch. The triple (and even double) are subdued but more complex.
There are many scotches that mix sherry and bourbon casks. When the price is factored in it makesme really not care about the triple cask. The sherry oak though, has more nuanced complexity in the fruits than any 10/12 year I've tried. But it's the earth notes, the dry leaves note in it that makes me absolutely adore it. I bought the sherry oak as a right of passage in my whisky journey. You gotta try the macallan because it's macallan. I fell in love with it hard. Haven't tried the other sherry bombs yet, but if they don't have that dry leaves mulch note, the winner for me will remain macallan. Would love a drink through video of the sherry oak line. Even if it's just the 12 and 18. Or maybe the 18 entered into the spirits competition.
Ever thought about doing an episode where you’re just going through the bottles and paraphernalia currently on the shelf? It’s cool how it seems to be always changing.
The only real problem I have with Macallan is the price. I tried a glass of Macallan 18 at a restaurant a little while ago; I assume it was either the triple or double cask. The nose was fantastic, but it didn't deliver on the palate. The palate was probably half or less of what the nose was. I think if they could deliver on the palate what is presented on the nose, then it would be an absolute master class of what a sherried Scotch can be. The fact that it falls so short though makes me question why I would pay the premium for a bottle, when I could just get something from Glendronach, Glenallachie, Aberlour, or even Dalmore and be much happier with any of those without having to spend even half of what Macallan charges. That being said, I would like to try the Macallan sherry cask at some point, just to see if it's any better. Based on the experiences I have had with Macallan though, I don't think it should be priced any higher than Glenlivet or Glenfiddich.
Glendronach >> Macallan....But I am curious if the pattern you guys found applies to the 15 year old as well? There is a triple and double and single 15
MaCallan is great. Hands down it’s a great scotch. It’s a top tier. I attended a MaCallan tasting and I have to tell you my order is as follows…. 1st pick 12 yr Sherry, 2nd pick 12 triple and very dead last the 12 yr double.
I have pretty much tried all of the currently available range up to the 21 year and enjoyed them all. The problem isn’t an enjoyment discussion it’s a value discussion. The 18 year is currently (in 2023) running at nearly $400 in my area and that’s just not right.
I agree as always with Dillon. You pay for the balance. I believe you also pay for the recipe and the blending. It's like Johnnie Blue. You get a flavorful easy drinking classic Scotch. Nothing else tastes like them. You pay or you don't. It's for critical thinkers who relax and think over a dram. No it doesn't blow your mind... I don't want that anymore. It's the art of blending barrels into a specific classic flavor. No sharp edges or standout flavors. I used to want that but I grew tired of it...wait till you guys get old 😂
MAC 12 triple oak is just a repackaged MAC 12 Fine Oak; And those have always been an excuse to extend supply from the core line up. It was "Meh" back then and "Meh" now.
Just watching this now and as a macallan fan/drinker I needed this last 10 mins cause I’m agreeing with both Dillon and the other two Also compare the double and triple is proper assessment cause the double is easy over to drink but the triple is just tastier with flavors on the pallet
Double Cask should be $35 to $45. Triple Cask $55 to $65. Sherry Oak Cask $70 to $75 MAX. Get a Plank Wood Stave and place your Glencairn on top of it when you guys Pour. I suck at serving Drams sometimes! If the Whisky Spills, I let it absorb into the Wood. I made it a Tradition.
Thanks for this ...a suggestion: Wish you guys would have compared the current Macallan 12 Sherry cask (Blk box) to the older version (Redbox 2 yrs ago), as I've seen some seasoned reviewers (social sippers club, whiskey whistle) do a side by side and felt the newer version has really lost some character (and consequently some points), making it even more overpriced than it is
You’re right about flavor changes. There are differences even in the last 5 years. Similar changes seen even in the classic cut. 5+ year old stuff have a brightness that the newer bottles are missing. Cheers! -Dillon
@@CuriosityPublic and what is sad is we are seeing this more when people compare new and old batches of various whiskeys, whether it be Macallan or Highland park or Glendronach or Bunnahabhain or Balvenie... etc etc etc . is it because the barrels are becoming tired? I don't know what it is... I read reviews of many of these Scotches now versus 10- 20 years ago, and wow such a difference.... If only we could have "backed up the truck" on many of our favorite scotches from 10+ years ago before the whiskey craze began.
@@shuboy05 there could be potential for some very interesting research there. A connection between production volume increase and quality decrease. Or a connection between increase in production and possibly the lower quality of barrels that have to be put into use. Also a recollection of the ups and downs of whisky quality over past decades. Is it something that happens in cycles? Or if the quality of sherry batches 10-20 years ago were bad. Because when I hear about past batches of whisky being way better it’s always a sherry barrel matured or finished whisky. It’s like with wine some summers were just bad and other vintages are to be specifically looked for becuse the difference in the grapes is so big.
@@HoseTheBeast I almost forgot but Macallan changed barley varieties after the '90s (I think but don't quote me on that). They used to pride themselves on only using Golden Promise barley which was not very cost effective but gave the Macallan a very flavorful character. I believe Glengoyne is now one of the last distilleries in Scotland to still use Golden Promise so it is possible to do a blind comparison to see whether the barley matters.
How do we folks in Scotland pay more for macallan 12 year old double cask than Canada & USA as it costs £80 from the macallan distillery,in Canadian that would be about 138 dollars in 2024
Instead of buying a brand living on it's name, find a Scotch living on it's quality. 40% and chill filtered is for bottom shelf whisky, no matter what name is on it.
The Double Cask 12 is $75 in NC. The Sherry Oak is $90. The Triple isn't available here. No one just starting on a Scotch journey is going to pay that. It's over-hyped.
The first scotch we tried and then bought a bottle was the 12 Sherry about 5 years ago. About a year ago tried a pour of the 12 Double and was not impressed, kinda flat or washed out. Would not buy a bottle. Glad I did buy some of the Classic Cut 2017 though.
Maybe it was too early in my whiskey journey but the Triple Oak mini bottle I bought like 7 years ago tasted like pure rotten eggs. I was dry heaving all the way to the sink where i tried it one more time and...it was just pure egg fart 💩. Hopefully it was just a skunky bottle but that experience made me hold off on Scotch until I had a basic Glenfiddich a couple of years later to reel me in. Anyone have a similar experience or tasting note?
It sounds like you just didn't have a palate for scotch yet. I've had similar experiences, where I may have tried something before I really had a palate for whiskey in general and absolutely hated it. Then what usually happens is I'll pull the bottle back out a year later and absolutely fall in love with it. The two I remember most were Monkey Shoulder and Oban 14. I hated them when I first tried them. They had too much malt funk for me. When I tried them again after getting more experience, I had absolutely no problems with them. I would guess it was either something like that or the liquor store just let the bottle sit in direct sunlight for a significant period of time.
@@CuriosityPublic Great news! I have waived trademark rights for my "egg fart" tasting note so you may use it for the next Bradshaw Bourbon finished in Coors Light casks.
I think this show is a good show because it's a show and its also about whisky which is even better
show
show
best comment ever commented for show
Fo sho
Dillon went straight common core. He took a "which one provides more enjoyment", one-dimensional video and made it as complicated as possible 😂😂😂
The classic Macallan battle between those thinking its over priced vs. those who are wrong. Great review though, very helpful.
I ENJOYED this deep dive into the Macallan. My favorite is the double cask. The stewed fruit and spice is what I enjoy the most as far as the flavor!
Outstanding video!
Dillon might need to sit down after his butt got so hurt when Dutch said intro sherry whiskey.
I am patiently waiting for the Red Breast drink through. Red Breast 12 is my go to always in stock at home. Love the stuff!
Try Yellow Spot. I love the Red Breast as well.
In my scotch journey I started with Monkey shoulder and went to Highland Park and Macallen. Then I tried Ardbeg and Laphroag and my journey now is all about Islay. Granted I’ve only had the 10 but dang that stuff is so good.
Great episode guys. Interesting you thought/agreed the Bourbon cask addition didn't do much except thin out the Sherry influence. There are a handful of independent bottlings of Macallan out there that are all Bourbon Cask. It would be interesting to see that added to the mix, although I think most of them are eye-wateringly expensive here in the states.
My local store frequently does barrel picks from the independent bottlers so a few years ago they got an ex-bourbon cask strength Macallan and sold it for $59.99! The only caveat was the label never mentioning Macallan due to new contracts with Edrington (they used to allow the Macallan name on indie bottles but not recently)
Drinkthru? More like a drinkthree.
I'll buy Macallan 12 (any version) from Costco all day. It's a nice easy weekday sipper.
I dig Glenallachie for a 12 yr sherried Scotch. Probably over both Macallan and Glendronach. Give it a shot if you haven't tried it. Thanks for another great video!
This was my first video of y'alls. You have a great energy. I can tell you've been friends for a long time. I'm going to check out more of your videos now. Cheers.
Cheers! Thanks!
Dillon always finding bottles for cheaper than I’ve ever seen them… anywhere. 😆 But I’m in complete agreement with his take, the sherry cask is a great, simple oak and sherry scotch. The triple (and even double) are subdued but more complex.
There are many scotches that mix sherry and bourbon casks. When the price is factored in it makesme really not care about the triple cask.
The sherry oak though, has more nuanced complexity in the fruits than any 10/12 year I've tried. But it's the earth notes, the dry leaves note in it that makes me absolutely adore it. I bought the sherry oak as a right of passage in my whisky journey. You gotta try the macallan because it's macallan. I fell in love with it hard. Haven't tried the other sherry bombs yet, but if they don't have that dry leaves mulch note, the winner for me will remain macallan. Would love a drink through video of the sherry oak line. Even if it's just the 12 and 18. Or maybe the 18 entered into the spirits competition.
Try Glenfarclas or Aberlour
Ever thought about doing an episode where you’re just going through the bottles and paraphernalia currently on the shelf? It’s cool how it seems to be always changing.
The only real problem I have with Macallan is the price. I tried a glass of Macallan 18 at a restaurant a little while ago; I assume it was either the triple or double cask. The nose was fantastic, but it didn't deliver on the palate. The palate was probably half or less of what the nose was. I think if they could deliver on the palate what is presented on the nose, then it would be an absolute master class of what a sherried Scotch can be. The fact that it falls so short though makes me question why I would pay the premium for a bottle, when I could just get something from Glendronach, Glenallachie, Aberlour, or even Dalmore and be much happier with any of those without having to spend even half of what Macallan charges.
That being said, I would like to try the Macallan sherry cask at some point, just to see if it's any better. Based on the experiences I have had with Macallan though, I don't think it should be priced any higher than Glenlivet or Glenfiddich.
12 sherry is the best for sure. But I agree it is less complex, but what's there is great and more intense.
Glendronach >> Macallan....But I am curious if the pattern you guys found applies to the 15 year old as well? There is a triple and double and single 15
As a Glendronach 15 admirer, I would appretiate Macallan 15 shoutout ;)
MaCallan is great. Hands down it’s a great scotch. It’s a top tier. I attended a MaCallan tasting and I have to tell you my order is as follows…. 1st pick 12 yr Sherry, 2nd pick 12 triple and very dead last the 12 yr double.
Here in Nebraska the double cask at Costco is $65 and the sherry Cask best deals are between $80-90 here sometimes at $100 at some stores. 😢
I have pretty much tried all of the currently available range up to the 21 year and enjoyed them all. The problem isn’t an enjoyment discussion it’s a value discussion. The 18 year is currently (in 2023) running at nearly $400 in my area and that’s just not right.
Agreed.
I agree as always with Dillon. You pay for the balance. I believe you also pay for the recipe and the blending. It's like Johnnie Blue. You get a flavorful easy drinking classic Scotch. Nothing else tastes like them. You pay or you don't. It's for critical thinkers who relax and think over a dram. No it doesn't blow your mind... I don't want that anymore. It's the art of blending barrels into a specific classic flavor. No sharp edges or standout flavors. I used to want that but I grew tired of it...wait till you guys get old 😂
Take 2 drinks everytime Dillon says jam, in this and any video for whisky, lol!
MAC 12 triple oak is just a repackaged MAC 12 Fine Oak; And those have always been an excuse to extend supply from the core line up. It was "Meh" back then and "Meh" now.
Triple cask for me, the sherry cask kills the delicate macallan malt flavor. Now if your talking about the 90s-early 2000 sherry, I’d go that way.
Just watching this now and as a macallan fan/drinker I needed this last 10 mins cause I’m agreeing with both Dillon and the other two
Also compare the double and triple is proper assessment cause the double is easy over to drink but the triple is just tastier with flavors on the pallet
I had the Triple Cask 15. Phenomenal 👍🏼
I'll drink any Ardbeg to any Macallan and still have money in my pocket.
Triple wood has now been discontinued
y'all should make an infinity bottle from the whisky that gets spilt on the table
You have probably answered this somewhere on the old Guild or here but how long have you all been friends?
I think we're going on about 25 years
Double Cask should be $35 to $45. Triple Cask $55 to $65. Sherry Oak Cask $70 to $75 MAX. Get a Plank Wood Stave and place your Glencairn on top of it when you guys Pour. I suck at serving Drams sometimes! If the Whisky Spills, I let it absorb into the Wood. I made it a Tradition.
Thanks for this ...a suggestion: Wish you guys would have compared the current Macallan 12 Sherry cask (Blk box) to the older version (Redbox 2 yrs ago), as I've seen some seasoned reviewers (social sippers club, whiskey whistle) do a side by side and felt the newer version has really lost some character (and consequently some points), making it even more overpriced than it is
You’re right about flavor changes. There are differences even in the last 5 years. Similar changes seen even in the classic cut. 5+ year old stuff have a brightness that the newer bottles are missing. Cheers! -Dillon
@@CuriosityPublic and what is sad is we are seeing this more when people compare new and old batches of various whiskeys, whether it be Macallan or Highland park or Glendronach or Bunnahabhain or Balvenie... etc etc etc . is it because the barrels are becoming tired? I don't know what it is... I read reviews of many of these Scotches now versus 10- 20 years ago, and wow such a difference.... If only we could have "backed up the truck" on many of our favorite scotches from 10+ years ago before the whiskey craze began.
@@choppersplace It’s also the fact the distilleries are making more whisky per year. I can see quality falling when production is increased.
@@shuboy05 there could be potential for some very interesting research there. A connection between production volume increase and quality decrease. Or a connection between increase in production and possibly the lower quality of barrels that have to be put into use.
Also a recollection of the ups and downs of whisky quality over past decades. Is it something that happens in cycles?
Or if the quality of sherry batches 10-20 years ago were bad. Because when I hear about past batches of whisky being way better it’s always a sherry barrel matured or finished whisky. It’s like with wine some summers were just bad and other vintages are to be specifically looked for becuse the difference in the grapes is so big.
@@HoseTheBeast I almost forgot but Macallan changed barley varieties after the '90s (I think but don't quote me on that). They used to pride themselves on only using Golden Promise barley which was not very cost effective but gave the Macallan a very flavorful character. I believe Glengoyne is now one of the last distilleries in Scotland to still use Golden Promise so it is possible to do a blind comparison to see whether the barley matters.
How do we folks in Scotland pay more for macallan 12 year old double cask than Canada & USA as it costs £80 from the macallan distillery,in Canadian that would be about 138 dollars in 2024
great video!
Instead of buying a brand living on it's name, find a Scotch living on it's quality. 40% and chill filtered is for bottom shelf whisky, no matter what name is on it.
Is it just me, or have the prices all gone up 50% in 8 months since this video came out?
The Double Cask 12 is $75 in NC. The Sherry Oak is $90. The Triple isn't available here. No one just starting on a Scotch journey is going to pay that. It's over-hyped.
The first scotch we tried and then bought a bottle was the 12 Sherry about 5 years ago. About a year ago tried a pour of the 12 Double and was not impressed, kinda flat or washed out. Would not buy a bottle. Glad I did buy some of the Classic Cut 2017 though.
Maybe it was too early in my whiskey journey but the Triple Oak mini bottle I bought like 7 years ago tasted like pure rotten eggs. I was dry heaving all the way to the sink where i tried it one more time and...it was just pure egg fart 💩. Hopefully it was just a skunky bottle but that experience made me hold off on Scotch until I had a basic Glenfiddich a couple of years later to reel me in. Anyone have a similar experience or tasting note?
Never used the "egg fart" tasting note before. Will have to keep that one in mind!
It sounds like you just didn't have a palate for scotch yet. I've had similar experiences, where I may have tried something before I really had a palate for whiskey in general and absolutely hated it. Then what usually happens is I'll pull the bottle back out a year later and absolutely fall in love with it. The two I remember most were Monkey Shoulder and Oban 14. I hated them when I first tried them. They had too much malt funk for me. When I tried them again after getting more experience, I had absolutely no problems with them.
I would guess it was either something like that or the liquor store just let the bottle sit in direct sunlight for a significant period of time.
@@CuriosityPublic Great news! I have waived trademark rights for my "egg fart" tasting note so you may use it for the next Bradshaw Bourbon finished in Coors Light casks.
@@hattorihanzo2814 "egg fart" might have to make it's way onto a future CP t-shirt
@@CuriosityPublic Honey, Stewed Fruit, and a hint of Egg Fart 🤣🤣
Come on! Its just a whisky:)
I'm academically drunk
Based just on the talking, I would choose the triple wood first.
not a one person said the word grape for the sherry
Why are there not many videos on the macallan 25? Is it not that good?
Probably just because of the price point. We're hoping to do it eventually!
@@CuriosityPublic is this one of those bottles that go up in value?
@@richardsanchez5444 not sure. But there are probably collectors that want each year's release.
🐓🍑 😂
Your the top gear of whiskey
Cheers. Always my favorite compliment to hear, thanks!
What country do you live - $55 for a Macallan? Get me a case.
Natural color doesn’t state they do not add it. It’s up for interpretation.
Macallan price/quality ratio sucks ass.
34👍
I care
and nobody cared that you cared until i cared
Shit Scotch, tastes like a cheap bottle of Bells.