Macallan 25 Year Review
In-Depth Review
Macallan needs no introduction. It’s the most recognizable name in Scotch, and one of the most famous brands in the whisky world. But over the last few years, it has felt at times that the brand has become bigger than the whisky. With prices on even entry level Macallan soaring to astronomical levels and taking the Macallan out of reach for many of today’s drinkers. For example, Macallan 12 used to be easily found under $50, and now is more regularly priced closer to $80. Macallan 18 was a tough pill to swallow at $275 when many other brands 18-year products would be under $150. But a few short years later and today Macallan 18 year regularly is found closer to $375 – leaving many to wonder if the whisky itself can continue to justify those prices.
These jumps in price are the biggest reasons I struggle to recommend Macallan to people getting into whisky. Sure, it’s the brand everyone knows, but with distilleries like Glendronach, Aberlour, and more putting out consistently great sherried malts for less, where does Macallan continue to fit in? I’m not sure that today’s whisky will answer that, but it does represent one of the oldest expressions in their core range. Welcome the mythical Macallan 25. Priced at around $2500 and aged exclusively in sherry for at least 25 years, this is not your everyday whisky experience. And while this bottle isn’t mine (shoutout to Daniel for letting me crack this open) I am going to dive in and explore if Macallan still knows how to deliver the incredible experiences that made them the most famous Scotch whisky in the world.
Age: 25 Years Old
ABV: 43%
Cask: Sherry cask
MSRP: $2,500
Distillery Name: The Macallan
Review Date: 4/20/23
Color: Dark Cocoa
Nose: The nose on this whisky is immense. Immediately after pouring, it fills the room with notes of sherry, raisins, plums, and cinnamon. It settles into intense notes of figs, cooked jam, fresh baked bread, charred sweet oak, antique wood, tobacco, and Christmas cake. Suffice to say there’s a lot going on here. This whisky has extraordinary nose, with a sweet and meaty quality that creates a seemingly never-ending array of flavors.
Palate: Surprisingly light on first sip, the flavors slowly build into cascading waves of stewed apples, cinnamon sticks, mulled wine, toasted vanilla, gingerbread, and dates. There’s a spicy quality to the European oak, that warms the back of the tongue and helps break up its sweet disposition. The mouthfeel is silky smooth, with a refined character that feels luxurious and elegant. The only disappointment is the 43% ABV, which leaves the palate feeling almost restrained compared to the extravagance of the nose.
Finish: Medium length finish with more warming mulling spices, black tea, nutmeg, and dollops of sherry sweetness. The heat builds on the front of the tongue as the finish lingers and gives a lively finish to an otherwise deep and brooding whisky.
Final Thoughts: Macallan 25 is an experience that all Scotch lovers should have at least once in their life. It’s hard to put into words the luxuriousness of this whisky. But after years of seeing the prices on the Macallan move upwards, it’s nice to be reminded that at their best, their expressions truly can be magical. After 25 years in oak, the nose feels like going back in time – with a rustic and antique feel about it. The wood is the star here, bringing those decadent sugars, chocolate, and crème brulee to the palate while leaving the finish warm and spicy – showing incredible layers throughout the experience. And while it’s complex, the 43% ABV means it’s easy to drink and approachable – even to a whisky novice. Although at this price point, it’d be a hard purchase to justify unless you really can unpack some of the complexity here. One of the best I’ve ever tasted. Perhaps bested only by the 2016 Yamazaki Sherry Cask and the mighty Macallan 40 year.
