Although on the bottle it is labeled as a Highland scotch it is located in the middle of the Speyside region. The Macallan is one of the most successful single malt distilleries in all of Scotland and they are the 3rd largest selling single malt in the world(behind The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich). Opening in 1824 by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher(wow do I feel like a failure as a teacher), The Macallan has grown not only into a profitable but a very tasty whisky.
The Macallan 12 Year Old is one of those bottles you should always keep on hand in your bar. I know that we do. It is aged for 12 years in sherry casks from Spain which has a delightful impact on its nose and palate. For about $50 a bottle, this is a great bottle for that someone who is just starting in the single malt world. It is smooth, easy to drink and well worth the price.
Matt
Color: Deep amber
Nose: a sherry sweetness, apple crispness, very refreshing
Palate: the sherry comes through in the palate, maybe a little vanilla, pleasant, well rounded
Finish: Peppery, long, oak finally comes through towards the end
SCORE: 90
Jim
Color: Brown Ale
Nose: Sweet, crisp, nice
Palate: Sweet, honey
Finish: Long and spicy with hints of coriander
SCORE: 88