Macallan 18 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Macallan's 18 year old expression is, for me, the highlight of its regular sherried range. Deep amber in color. The nose is rich and heavily fruited: fruit cake, mulberry, a little moist gingerbread, the bloody depths of molasses. On the palate, dried fruits — more figgy than raisined — while the natural oiliness in the spirit balances the boisterous tannins from the European oak. A singed note on the finish (an extension of the molasses?) completes the picture. Balanced and complex. (DB, Fall 2011)

Here is the Rolls-Royce of single malt. Not everybody needs a Rolls-Royce--some people dream of one, others detest the idea of luxury for luxury's sake. Nonetheless, Macallan has built a reputation over the last half century for producing the finest sherried malts on the planet. Geeks will argue about whether that's still the case, but no one can deny that this is top-notch stuff. When you buy Mac 18, you're making a lifestyle choice. That's why I call it a "message malt." It sends a strong message no matter what you're trying to say.