Substitutes for the Macallan Sherry

by **Lugarteniente** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:52 pm

With the introduction of the fine oak range which are the better substitutes at a normal strenght and heavily sherried?

by **vitara7** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:02 pm

glendronach 15yo if you can still get your hands on a bottle

by **heatmiser** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:12 am

Aberlour A'Bunadh

by **Wave** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:42 am

heatmiser wrote:Aberlour A'Bunadh

Only if you consider 120 proof "normal" strength! :lol:

Cheers!

by **Deactivated Member** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 9:34 am

Glenfarclas 1987 "Quarter Casks"

Bruichladdich 1986 Dark Sherry
There are three versions of this.
One bottled in 2005, two bottled in 2006.
(I am not talking about "Blacker Still).

MT

by **Sherried Malt** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 3:01 pm

Malt-Teaser, do you have any TNs on your recommendations? More to the point, which one would recommend if I love the Mac 18 but find the Abundh too over the top?

Thanks! Happy new year too!

by **Deactivated Member** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 3:24 pm

Hi SM,
I have posted notes for these at various times on here, but I don't think they were ever added to the forum TN's, so here you go:

Glenfarclas 1987 "Quarter Casks" Limited Edition of 1,299 bottles.
Unlike some other QC's, this Glenfarclas has spent its whole maturation in Quarter Casks and not just finished in them.
Nose: An Olde English Library or Study in a country house.
Yes, really. Lots of old oak, leather, musty books.
Palate: Very much like the nose, leather, old oak and a hint of sherry.

This is a very interesting whisky, as it is the leather and wood which initially comes across.
Once opened, after a week or so, the wood and leather recede and the sherry comes to the forefront, from whence it stays and this dram turns into a great sherry Glenfarclas.

Bruichladdich 1986 "Dark Sherry"
As I mentioned, there are three versions of this that I know of, maybe another one or two bottled as special editions that I haven't seen yet.
Basically, these are all from a 1986 distillation and stored in sherry casks.
The first one I tasted in 2005, the other two this year and all were very similar in character.
Colour: Rich and dark.
Nose: Fruit (dried fruit) and sherry.
Palate: Very smooth, lots of sherry without being forcefully overbearing and a good, long finish.
I have tried a few different Macallan 18's and for my palate, the 1986 Laddies are better.

I haven't as yet had chance to try the "Blacker Still" from Bruichladdich, so I can't comment on this one.
MT

by **Lawrence** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 6:52 pm

I would consider Aberlour 15 sherry matured, Aberlour a'bunadh (even though it is not 'normal' strength, you can always add some water) or Glenfarclas 12.

by **Admiral** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:07 pm

If you're a fan of the old style, sherried Macallans, then I would strongly recommmend Glenfarclas 15yo. It's a little bit richer & spicier than the Glenfarclas 12yo that Lawrence recommended above.

Alternatively, Glenfarclas 105 goes a long way towards being Macallan-like, albeit at cask strength.

Actually, that sounds like a good taste-off! Anyone recently done an A-B with Glenfarclas 105 and Aberlour a'bunadh ?

Cheers,
AD

by **Lugarteniente** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 6:05 pm

Today I have tasted for first time the glendronach 15 OB. Surprising! It tastes like the macallan 25y but less overpowered by the sherry. For 40 € I think its exceptional.

by **suffolkwhisky** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:19 pm

I would agree with the Glendronach and would also recommend going to France and picking up some Glenfarclas Heritage.

PS, Admiral have put the Aberlour head to head with the 105: most of the Aberlours seem to be winning at the minute - the 105 is not quite what it once was (though there seems to be an improvement this year).