magician

I just got an (unsolicited) e-mail invitation to a Macallan Single-Malt Scotch tasting in Los Angeles in two weeks. I confirmed with the venue that they have an event scheduled with Macallan - I'm always suspicious of e-mail invitations - so I plan to go, and have invited a friend who's a single-malt Scotch aficionado; although I've Scottish ancestry, I've never drunk Scotch.

Is anyone here familiar with Macallan? What are your opinions on their products?

Incubus

I like Macallan a lot. I use Glenlivet as a benchmark because it's found at most restaurants: I find that Macallan, while great-tasting, is a bit harsher than the Glenlivet. It's harder to drink because of this. I suggest getting a shot of Glenlivet at a bar/restaurant and trying it; first with no ice, then with one ice cube and see how you like it. Some like their Scotch on the rocks, but I don't want it too diluted.

FWIW you shouldn't pass up the opportunity if you can make it.



Edited after realizing Magician will surely be reading this post.

magician

Well, somebody's feeling guilty.

(Note: magician's not capitalized. )

Thanks for the reply.

Tedow

Macallan is my favorite scotch, and I believe it is generally considered to be one of the best "normal" single malt scotches. By normal I mean it's not from Islay or one of the other islands, whose scotches tend to be very peaty and smoky (they taste like my fireplace, IMHO).

I enjoy a dram of Macallan 12 yr on a regular basis, and an 18 yr on a particularly nice day. I'm not as big on their "Fine Oak" varieties, which are aged in used sherry casks and unused American oak casks. The non-fine oak Macallans are aged strictly in sherry oak, and have a much richer color and flavor, in my experience.

You can't go wrong with any of them. No ice if you can avoid it. Have fun!

The Raptor

Bill-

Are you going to the game on Saturday?

magician

Alas, no.

Since getting fired in May the luxuries have had to go; season tickets are a "luxury" (I'm told).

Good news, though: it looks like I'll have a consulting position starting mid-November that should pay very (very) well! And Monday I'm meeting with a gentleman to try to get some venture capital financing, so things are looking up.

Are you a Scotch drinker, George?

UnkieTrunkie

Hooch tastings can be good networking tools; this is a bit dependent on how many people are invited and the location. I'd recommend going regardless of your opinion of the product.

The Raptor

Good luck with that, Bill.

No, I hate Scotch.

Nin009

I think Tedow summed it up nicely. It's a nice reliable Scotch. Nothing fancy or challenging. You won't be overwhelmed by peat or smoke. As it ages it becomes smoother with a little less of a bite.

A good starter Scotch is Dalwhinnie. It's a little sweeter with less of an alcohol taste. I think of it as Scotch easy. Ask your buddy to give you a little pour if he has some in his stash.

BTW, I received the same invitation.

magician

[QUOTE=Tedow,Oct 22 2009, 09:26 AM]I'm not as big on their "Fine Oak" varieties, which are aged in used sherry casks and unused American oak casks.