Week 4 - The Macallan 12

Rick here - It's been a pleasure to be your host this month, a joy I pass on to brother Ned for the next 4 weeks.

My choice for this week is Macallan 12 - a single malt in the grand tradition of sherry casks from Jerez, Spain.  Macallan is one of the oldest Scotch names, harkening back 300 years in the region of Speyside.  There are other speysides, but none quite so well known.  Now this is a scotch.   A pale burnt umber color, and a nose that stays with you, shades of the sherry cask and a bit of spice.   Not really peaty, still quite pleasant.   Macallan lingers on the tongue for a few seconds, reminding you that yes, this is a Scotch.  After the liquor makes it way down your throat you can feel the aroma rise up the roof of your mouth.

The taste itself is subtle but striking, hints of the sherry cask, malty, and even a bit sweet.

I would buy more.  A good choice to watch a fire with.  Or create one.  Definitely a scotch for the winter.

Week 3 - The Glenlivet 15

Rick here... rounding out this medly of glenlivets is... Glenlivet 15.   A very light amber in color with shades of yellow... one might think this is something not as mild as the 12 and a bit lighter than the 18 (if that hair can be split).   But one would be wrong.  I found this one lasted in the back of the throat a bit longer, had a stronger bouquet then the other two and all in all a bit more of a Scotch.   And odd as it seems I tasted a bit of licorice.  This is a scotch I might drink again.   Though, not as a first or second choice.

Week 2 - The Glenlivet 12

Rick here whisky fans, for the background of Glenlivet and why I chose this 12 year old (besides budget) I refer you to the previous entry, week 1.

What less can be said?   If the 18 year old was light... the 12 was lighter.  That was even reflected in its color, a pale yellow versus the pale amber.   Easy to sip... is there such a thing as a summer scotch?  I may have to compare this to my current newcomer introduction, Highland Park 12.

Not bad, but not terribly memorable.

Week 1 - The Glenlivet 18

Rick here... for my first three choices I went simple, bought a Glenlivet gift pack of 12, 15, and 18 year old Glenlivet complete with complimentary tasting glasses, and gave the gift packs as Christmas presents to dad, Bob and Ned.  Ho Ho Ho.

First a bit about Glenlivet.  Founded in 1824, the distillery is in north eastern Scotland in Ballindalloch, home of Ballindallock castle in a wild and isolated Glen (hence Glenlivet).   Glenlivet's stills are lantern shaped with long, narrow necks, all of which helps to produce a light tasting spirit.[  There is a lot of history to be found at their web site.  http://www.theglenlivet.com/

Enough, background, on to the tasting!  As the organizer de month I got to chose the order, so to start things off right, I chose the 18 year old.  

This is what a retailer had to say about 18 year old Glenlivet:

"A very special Glenlivet. The bouquet is remarkably flowery, clean and soft. The taste is light-bodied with a delicate balance between sweetness and malty dryness. Flowery, peachy, notes of vanilla with a restrained, long gently warming finish. 90-95 points and Highly Recommended, Wine Enthusiast"


Sounds good doesn't it?   On tasting the key words are 'soft', 'light-bodied' and 'delicate.'   My first clue should have been a Wine magazine was recommending it.   In short, my thoughts of this 18 year old is that its a Scotch for non scotch drinkers.   My bad

My notes during the actual tasting:


smooth.. almost to the point of too smooth.   Thin, easy, only a slight bouquet .. lightly amber color… okay for sipping.. wont offend.   Still has a kick if you try to drink too fast.


For an 18 year old... I prefer something with a bit more peat.  But that's me.  The best part of the tasting was that dad was with me at the time.