Fashionably late, The Macallan has introduced its latest edition (#4) locally in Israel. I was quite the fan of editions 2,3 which were very good.
As always, in these editions, The Macallan is quite transparent about the types of wood and origin and cask make for the vatting, and groups thosoe under a few categories:
Capstone
2nd Fill Sherry Butts (European /American Oak)
2nd Fill Hogsheads (EU/AM)
Structure
1st Fill Vasyma Hogsheads (American Oak)
Form
1st Fill Diego Martin Rosado Butts (European Oak )
Jose Y Miguel Martin Butts (European Oak )
Foundation
1st Fill Tevasa Butts / Puncheons ( European ), 1st Fill Tevesa Hogsheads ( European Oak)
Sherry driven profile as you can imagine, mostly EU oak, let’s see what it’s like
The Macallan Edition 4 , 48.4% abv
Nose: It’s a Macallan alright. from first sniff, there are no surprises: A very likable nose, with the typical wood spice, sweetness and sherry influence. Nutmeg, Clove and cinnamon, caramelized apple, and hints of ginger powder, Chocolate fudge, and citrus peel. A very balanced nose with the spice, sherry and wood notes well integrated.
Palate: The palate if deeper with more sherry sweetness, with similar notes of chocolate, caramelized apples, and citrus, as well as wood spices. The sherry driven but, not a sherry monster by all means, the balance is right, and balance is the keyword here. Oily, and round and easy sipping, fun stuff.
Finish: Caramel infused chocolate, soft wood spice.
Conclusion : Very good blending work on behalf of the Macallan, this is a balanced and harmonious whisky, which will appeal to those who like the Macallan brand. A very generous dram, in which sherry is king, but not over powering. Personally I prefer Edition 2 to this, but I would love to have a bottle of this for daily sipping. Highly enjoyable.
Score: 85/100
Available at bestofwhiskies.com ,€ 165