I Tasted The Macallan CLASSIC CUT 2021 & This Is What I Think

[@Tantrum777]

Yep Macallan is slipping and what makes things even worse is the prices are sky high. A great honest review.

[@MaltActivist]

Sad but true

[@rethomps1]

This fellas review is spot on!

[@matanyapop]

What do you think of this battle for investment?

[@MaltActivist]

Sure, why not?

[@matanyapop]

@@MaltActivist Well, because the VFM is bad... I'm a new follower :)

[@TheWhiskeyNerd]

A let down is exactly the right description for how this sounds, it's not just a disappointing whiskey from a new distillery which is finding its feet, its an established distillery letting you down since you know they can do more!

[@MaltActivist]

Dude. You know it.

[@SK-bk3yh]

Color is nice, but I was hoping it would be much better than the other two. It seems they have two extremes, much older more expensive and these gimmicky newer ones

[@MaltActivist]

That's exactly what the problem is

[@McIntyresMalts]

Awesome video to see you call bullshit on Macallan to the point where this is the last bottle of theirs you will purchase. Great moment captured on camera.

[@MaltActivist]

Someone had to say it

[@McIntyresMalts]

@@MaltActivist from what I am starting to see, more and more consumers are beginning to voice this opinion.

[@davidowen2834]

Good, honest review 👍 a thin mouth fill at 51%🤔 , maybe it is chill filtered? I walk on by the Macallan’s in shops too expensive for very average whisky. Slàinte.

[@MaltActivist]

I'm pretty sure they're chill filtered

[@marcgyn997]

Thanks again, I bought an A Night on earth and exchanged it for an Octomore 10.2 with a macallan fan friend thanks to your video, and this Classic cut I don't think I'll buy.

[@MaltActivist]

Great exchange

[@sandrofischer7405]

It's a matter of taste, these two bottles have nothing in common. I buy whisky for drinking and not collecting, the only reason I still buy Macallan is because for me personally they do usually make amazing whisky (price is crazy though). Instead of the Night on earth, wich is a collectors bottle, I would recommend the Macallan 15y double cask, which in my opinion offers great price/value. Cheers

[@marcgyn997]

@@sandrofischer7405 I agree....

[@sengngo7589]

Mate..I really hope your channel makes its way to 2k subs asap.. Good luck!

[@MaltActivist]

Thanks a ton!

[@Dmitriy_Izhevsk]

I bought two bottles (51 pounds per one). Still not open… It’s not fair. Good whisky like Deanston 18 costs 265 pounds. Glengoyne 25 - 500 pounds.

[@MaltActivist]

Definitely not fair

[@Dmitriy_Izhevsk]

@Maester Gryphon our custom forbids delivery of alcohol from online shops. I wrote prices from Russian retail.

[@Dmitriy_Izhevsk]

@Maester Gryphon yep, but can’t find springbank 12cs too 😁. Whisky unicorn 🤣

[@justwhisky]

Sobering commentary on Macallan. Well presented.

[@MaltActivist]

Thank you, sir

[@grantgallagher8592]

It has been an interesting series of three reviews, and it's sad to see your hopes being dashed on these three expressions. I have never been a great Spey fan particularly as my taste is much more to the peaty side. That being said, I always think of such expressions generally, as being created for the Duty Free market, bought by people who are not really whisky drinkers, and tend to the 'more money than sense' category of whisky buyers. When I don't see a decent Islay in the bar, I'll always pick (the) Glenlivet over Macallan. Hope the next set of tastings are more satisfying for you! Keep it up, laddie!!

[@MaltActivist]

Thank you for the vote of encouragement Grant. Here's hoping for better days!

[@Fearless154]

it was my first Macallan classic cut and I loved the aroma and the taste of it. Each sip made me want more of it. I'm not an expert whisky enthusiast just a guy who loves to taste good whisky and for me, it was a good experience. Now I'm very curious about prior classic cut editions.

[@MaltActivist]

I'm glad you liked it. I would rather like whiskies than not like them. It's such an individual sport that there's no right or wrong. Drink in good health, sir.

[@macgeek2005]

I really loved Classic Cut 2020, and have acquired a couple bottles of the 2021 and look forward to opening one. I also saw a really negative review for the 2020 which ended up being completely at odds with my personal experience.

[@rethomps1]

Let me guess, you work at the distillery?

[@ironmantran]

I still have a few of those Mac-10 CS 58%-59% (38-42UKP back then , rarely above 60% , only if NAS then 60-60.5%abv) from 2003-2004 era : it i so powerful (concentrate) that it takes over the profile of just about ANY speysider - thus, i simply add 100mL to some 500-600mL of Abunadh 60% from Aberlour, shake, sit for 7 days, then dram to make things last a wee longer . . . just me. Old Mac10 CS is dark (darker than your T ! ) and syrupy, and leaves a saccharin-bitter sweet on the palate (similar to Edradour CS of old) . . .

[@MaltActivist]

wow, thats really interesting. Good idea.

[@ironmantran]

@@MaltActivist (( i purposedly chose a lighter cask strength speysider to showcase what Mac can do . . .))

[@trespasser121]

Every time someone doesn't like a Macallan , they will say does better. How about a mainstream whisky that is better, I can't find one. I recently bought the entire range of 12 yo, one 15 yo and the Classic cut 2022, and they're all good and better than any under $200 whisky I can find in the local store.

[@trespasser121]

BTW Eagle Rare is garbage compared to this , lol.

[@MaltActivist]

Tamdhu, Loch Lomond, Ardbeg, Talisker, Old Pulteney, Aberlour, Glendronach, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Deanston.... I could go on. My issue with Macallan is more importance given to packaging and marketing and not the spirit itself. For that kind of money you should be drinking better whisky in my opinion. However, each to their own palate and so if you like your Macallans then more power to you brother. I am genuinely happy for you! Thank you for watching and commenting - that means more to me!

[@trespasser121]

@@MaltActivist Price may be an issue, but where I live, taxes on beverages are proportional to their alcohol content, so you won't find any bargains on these pseudo 'cask strength' bottlings. But they're well worth trying as they're a very different animal from your 43% whisky. I remember fondly the 62% ABV Lagavulin 12 or the 16 yo Glenlivet Naddura at 56% - If i was smarter I'd have loaded the truck with those. I think this Classic Cut is of similar interest, but the price is double, as it would be for those if they were still available. P.S. You probably know where "Classic cut" comes from. In practical terms for me, it means I won't risk a headache and that counts for something. Same as paying more for a bottle of wine even if you don't notice the taste difference, you'll be happier next morning.

[@t888]

Personally I feel It get's a bit better after 20 minutes in the glass but overall I do agree it is a letdown. I expected better, not bitter :)

[@MaltActivist]

I left it in the glass a long long time to be honest

[@t888]

@@MaltActivist Was watching your very useful video while finishing last dram of 2021 classic cut. Took me about 6 months to finish a bottle. Considering price and quality - very sad. Hope your review would help those who considering buying it as it's not a very pleasant investment. And as you pointed out - there's pretty much no reviews of 2021 classic cut on youtube. Thank you!

[@Caviarhound]

What stinks the most is that I buy classic cut bc the 12 year expressions are way more disappointing to me and there just aren't enough high proof offerings in my market.

[@MaltActivist]

That sucks dude!

[@russell3733]

Gotta keep it honest - and that's what you did. So, it is what it is (where did I hear that?). If the juice doesn't shape up, then there's no point in pretending that you like it, just for sentimental reasons. If Macallan have let their standards drop, then it's important that be said. In fact, for us maltheads I think the Macallan cab left the rank quite some time ago. They're not making whisky for the aficionado anymore, they're aiming at the highly-priced luxury end of the market where buyers are not in it for the quality of the malt, but for the status of the brand. And I have no problem with that. If Macallan sees that market segment as the be-all and end-all then that's fine. They're obviously not making whisky for people who love the juice. What's the consequence? Bye, bye, Macallan! There's so much more whisky out there on the market which we maltheads can get enthused about. So - by all means - be sad for a moment that you've left a brand behind. Then go out and enjoy other integrity-style malts that knock your socks off! There's plenty out there. Cheers.

[@MaltActivist]

Spot on Russel !

[@ssawphoto]

Never taste bitterness on the classic cut, I guess that’s just me. Still feel like classic cut is the best value of all the Macallan line up.

[@MaltActivist]

I'm glad you like it !

[@louisfernandez2616]

very nice review well done! ty! for $120 id rather buy the 15 year macallan

[@MaltActivist]

Good call

[@robertzemko6590]

Just discovered your channel and subscribed, Yes Macallan has gone downhill bigtime but they can still rely on people who don't know much about scotch and purchase just for the name. Macallan is also releasing a ton of goofy no age statement low abv expressions and putting no emphasis whatsoever on the actual whisky but only on the presentation as well as using lesser quality casks. Not sure how much longer they can continue doing this and getting away with it but there doing fine so far, In the last few years the price on the age stated Macallan's have been shooting up here in Canada, the 15 has gone from $150 to $230 now, No more Macallan for me. Will check out your other reviews, Cheers.

[@MaltActivist]

Thanks Robert. Appreciate your support.

[@bernymater382]

You did not taste this whisky before, but your bottle is almost empty?!?

[@MaltActivist]

I did bottle split with some buddies instead of splurging on the full bottle. This was my share.

[@whiteeskimo]

I do think that he did say that he split the bottle between friends

[@GregoryKodolanyiRitter]

Cheers!

[@MaltActivist]

Cheers

[@GregoryKodolanyiRitter]

@@MaltActivist Thanks for the taste test. I won't buy it!

[@ironmantran]

re-watched this episode the 3rd time, just to be sure - it just came to Canada feb 2022 . . . sad. . .

[@MaltActivist]

Sad state of affairs

[@Whisky_Total]

Agree 🥃🥃

[@MaltActivist]

I agree too

[@jackthepickledhound]

Thanks again for saving me from the only overpriced Mac I was even thinking about. There are a lot of 2019's around and they've gone up in price to match the newer ones. What a joke. It's as if they think we're drunk when we spend $125 on a bottle of malt. I guess you have to be drunk to buy a Macallan, or brainwashed by the hype. Haha.. Well I'm afraid someone will eventually buy it. And the upward spiral will continue

[@MaltActivist]

There will always be someone to buy something. It is what it is....

[@madmax1436]

2019 goes for 400 euros right now. so hurry up before they reach 1k$

[@MaltActivist]

@@madmax1436 That's just mental !!!

[@madmax1436]

@@MaltActivist as always for macallan

[@rethomps1]

This was the worst Scotch that I have ever bought. I wanted to throw the bottle at whoever marketed this crap. It was so bitter that I could not get the taste out of my mouth. WTF Macallan? How could you sell this paint thinner? Do not buy this.

[@binray6457]

2020 is ok，will never buy any macallan again.

[@MaltActivist]

You and me both !