Macallan Classic Cut 2022 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Summary

In this review of McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition, the Scotch Test Dummies dive into its lighter, bourbon-forward profile, comparing it to previous years. The whiskey presents a citrusy nose with subtle vanilla, honeycomb, and nutty notes. On the palate, it reveals creamy butterscotch, vanilla, and honey, with a delicate Sherry influence that becomes more evident with water. The finish is smooth and satisfying, with faint tropical fruit and nuttiness. While enjoyable, the review highlights its higher price and the more subdued Sherry character, ultimately rating it a solid 90/100 for its complexity and richness.

Takeaways

• 😀 The McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition is a cask strength whisky, marking a departure from previous releases with its paler color and focus on ex-bourbon casks rather than Sherry-seasoned oak.
• 😀 The 2022 edition is notably lighter on Sherry influence, with the nose featuring subtle citrus, vanilla, and a hint of nuttiness, contrasting with more Sherry-heavy previous editions.
• 😀 The whisky is described as having a creamy mouthfeel with prominent flavors of butterscotch, honeycomb, and vanilla, complemented by light fruity notes like orange and grapefruit.
• 😀 Despite the lack of heavy Sherry influence, the whisky does show some faint tropical fruit and raspberry notes when water is added, hinting at a slight Sherry contribution.
• 😀 The finish is smooth and medium-long, featuring creme brulee and vanilla, with a growing nuttiness that provides complexity as the tasting progresses.
• 😀 One of the hosts expressed a preference for the first sip, which was sweeter and creamier, whereas the second sip developed more nutty flavors that weren't as appealing to them.
• 😀 The whisky's price point of around $160-$180 is considered high for its profile, with one of the hosts expressing reluctance to pay that much for it, especially given the lack of pronounced Sherry notes.
• 😀 The McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition is enjoyable but may not be ideal for those expecting a more traditional, Sherry-forward McAllen experience.
• 😀 The hosts mention that this whisky, while good, may appeal more to collectors seeking to complete their McAllen series, as its price and rarity could increase over time.
• 😀 Despite some initial doubts, the whisky is considered solid and was rated 90/100, with the water addition enhancing its nutty complexity and bringing out faint tropical fruits.
• 😀 The discussion includes a humorous Patreon promotion, with one fan's fridge magnet of a Christmas card humorously removed by their wife after an hour, showcasing the fun dynamic of the hosts.

Q & A

What is the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition, and how does it differ from previous releases?

The McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition is a part of McAllen’s annual release series. It differs from earlier versions, such as the 2017 edition, in that it is paler in color and doesn't emphasize Sherry-seasoned casks. Instead, it uses an exquisite union of oak casks, which may contain a lighter Sherry influence, but the primary character comes from ex-bourbon casks.

How does the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition compare to the 2017 release?

The 2022 edition is noticeably paler than the 2017 release, and its taste profile leans more on ex-bourbon casks rather than a strong Sherry influence. The 2017 edition was matured in exclusive Sherry casks, whereas the 2022 edition features a more balanced, lighter flavor with hints of vanilla, honey, and citrus, while the Sherry influence is very faint.

What are the primary tasting notes for the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition?

The McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition features light citrus notes, such as orange and grapefruit, along with subtle vanilla, honeycomb sweetness, and a mild nuttiness. The mouthfeel is creamy, with flavors of butterscotch, vanilla, honey, and a hint of powdered sugar. The finish is smooth with a touch of crème brûlée and tropical fruit.

Is the Sherry influence noticeable in the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition?

The Sherry influence in the 2022 edition is very light. While McAllen is known for its Sherry casks, this edition is much more dominated by ex-bourbon casks. The Sherry presence is subtle and doesn't have the intense character that is often expected from McAllen whiskies.

What is the ABV of the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition, and how does it affect the drinking experience?

The McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition has an ABV of 52.5%. This higher ABV provides a robust mouthfeel and allows the flavors to come through more intensely. However, it’s not overwhelming and can be adjusted with a drop of water to reveal different tasting notes, such as nuttiness or light tropical fruits.

What impact does adding water have on the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition?

Adding water to the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition opens up more of the nutty flavors, such as almonds and hazelnuts. It also softens the sweetness, reducing the honey and vanilla notes while bringing out a touch of tropical fruit. However, the Sherry influence remains faint, even with water.

What did the reviewer think of the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition initially versus after adding water?

Initially, the reviewer enjoyed the sweet vanilla, crème brûlée, and butterscotch notes without water, rating it highly. However, after adding water, the reviewer noted that the nuttiness came through more strongly, but the sweetness of the vanilla and honey was reduced. Despite this, the reviewer still found the whisky enjoyable and rated it highly overall.

Was the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition considered a good value for its price?

The McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition is priced around $150 to $180, which the reviewers considered high for a whisky with such a subtle Sherry influence. While the whisky itself is good, the price might be off-putting for some, especially those expecting a more intense Sherry character.

What other whisky brands or editions did the reviewer mention in comparison to McAllen Classic Cut 2022?

The reviewer briefly mentioned other whiskies like the Highland Park (possibly confusing it with McAllen) and also discussed the Westland American Single Malt, which was a personal favorite. These references were used to highlight the differences in whisky profiles and the reviewer’s preferences.

How does the McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition fit into McAllen’s overall lineup?

The McAllen Classic Cut 2022 Edition stands out in McAllen’s lineup due to its lighter, more delicate profile compared to other McAllen expressions, which typically feature a stronger Sherry influence. While it’s a good whisky, it may not appeal to fans who prefer McAllen's traditional Sherry-heavy styles. However, it offers a more subtle alternative with an emphasis on oak and ex-bourbon cask maturation.