Whisky Review: The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box)

The Macallan 18 places itself in a challenging position in terms of value in the single malt market. Like Blue Label and other premium whiskies, the debate commonly centers around whether or not the whisky is worth the considerable suggested retail price. There is little doubt as to the quality of the dram itself, at least in my most humble of opinions. It is simply exquisite. Not the most complex of whiskies, rather the bottle is a greatest hits album of clean Highland scotch with bonus tracks of sherry. The whisky is significantly more approachable and reliable than the 12-year-old variation.

That being said, it is also around $200 more per bottle. If sales were the lone arbiter in this argument, then it would seem The Macallan 18 is indeed worth the price of admission. The label has enjoyed success for years and does not seem to show any signs of weakening. For fans of clean and uncomplicated single malts, this is in the very least a must-try whisky. I found my curiosity handsomely rewarded.