Sherried Scotch whisky, at least in this author’s dumb, uninformed opinion, shouldn’t be the quintessential Scotch whisky expression. Just a few years finished in sherried oak can overwhelm a malt’s inherent flavor profile. Macallan’s Fine Oak Series, now called “Triple Cask Matured,” offered a glimpse into the distilleries house character without a dominant sherry influence, and that should be a welcome chance. Macallan’s oily, honeyed flavors with plenty of fruity complexity has a shot to shine with stark contrast to the sherried counterparts in the Sherry Oak series. Today’s selection represents my favorite in the formerly christened Fine Oak line and is a great way to let Macallan’s house character shine.
Macallan 15 Yr Fine Oak Single Malt was one of the first malts I enjoyed as a whisky newbie. And trying it again recently brought back the same pleasant sensory memories. It is bottled at 43% ABV and with the same “Triple Maturation” make up as the 10 year old Fine Oak expression. On to it…
SWC Review
Nose- Floral feel with fruit blossoms and rose water. Aprioct, cherry, and candied fruit. Light vanilla and sweet.
Taste- Oaky and citrus. Lovely grain. Vanilla and plum.
Finish- Light fruit with cereal. Oak char. Medium to long. Vanilla.
Comment- Worth the price, a nice contrast to the strong sherried malts you could cut with a knife. Does well in all categories.
SWC Rating- 89/100
Spokane Whiskey Club 
Color>>> Authentic color of whisky, i.e, golden-straw color.
Nose>>> I sense the smell of vanilla, oak wood, dried natural nuts, honey, butter, some floral notes with a hint of chocolate and malty sugar.
Tongue>>> Sugary chocolate sweetness and exceptional smoothness with a hint of peppery spiciness.
Palate>>> Long lingering finish with a bit of orange marmalade and malty dryness.
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