Comparable SM To Mac 18

[ualboeing777]

Hello to all...first time poster. I've recently began enjoying Single malt scotch; Over the past couple of years, I've bought bottles of The Balvenie Doublewood, Macallan 12, Glenlivet 12, Glenlivet 15 French Oak, Glenlivet 18, Glenfiddich 12, Highland Park 12, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, and Macallan 18. As you can see I seem to favor Speysides. My question is: Is there a single malt that comes close to the taste, smoothness and overall balance of the Macallan 18 that is any cheaper? It is by far the best scotch I have tasted (the dangerous kind that you can drink half a bottle of before you realize... ), but for everyday drinking, it's a bit steep. I was looking for something very similar in the $60-$80 range. I checked out the reviews, but I guess I'm kinda looking for how different single malts compare to the Macallan 18. Also, I've not tasted the Fine Oak Macallans yet, but plan to...are they similar? And lastly, the Benriach Tawny Port Finish sounds very intriguing, has anyone had a taste? I'm ready to make a purchase this weekend, so I'm anxious to get an opinion. Thanks.

KB

 

[AVB]

Read this.

 

[khari]

Read this.

What he said.

In response to your question, I recently tried the Auchentoshan Three Wood and thought it was a very smooth, flavorful dram for the cost. It isn't a Speyside but it is finished in sherry casks like the Macallan 18 and it fits your price range. It is a bit difficult to find on store shelves though(The Auchentoshan Classic or 10 year is more common). You'll probably have to ask your local store to order a bottle for you.

 

[GregSVT]

Definitely post an intro and read the rules. I initially joined CP for the Liquor forum as well because of the wealth of knowledge and information AVB and others have contributed but the whole site has a lot to offer.

Macallan Cask Strength is very flavorful and in your price range. You have to water it down since it's a pretty high proof whisky but it's one of my favorites. At a Macallan tasting they gave it to us after the 18 because it has a lot of the flavors of the 18 after you add some water and is considerably less.

Also if you can find it, Balvenie 17 year Sherry Wood is very much the same with the Balvenie flavor profile and is less than Mac18. I wish they would make it a part of the regular line as my bottle is about done.

 

[khari]

The Balvenie 17 Sherry Wood is still relatively easy to find. It's the easiest to find of the 17 year old expressions from Balvenie in this area.

 

[GregSVT]

LOL all my local has is the 17 Rum Cask and it's around $115...they don't even have any listed in their inventory which covers the whole DFW area.