If this was Whisky Facebook then my relationship with Macallan would probably be "It's complicated". I love many of their products but they have also driven me crazy with some of their product and marketing decisions in recent years. However at end of the day any of my attempts to compile a "Top 10" or even a shopping list usually feature something from Macallan. After years of "so so" offerings this could well be their "Blood on the Tracks" (no apologies for the Bob Dylan reference) and it is a massive return to form by doing what they do best... sherry cask whisky and as an extra bonus they even upped the ABV to 52.9%. My bottle was described as a 2019 Limited Edition. The nose is classic dried fruits, citrus peels, ginger cake and orange marmalade. The mouthfeel is creamy with sharp citrus notes, spike of alchohol (>50% ABV), cinnamon, almond marzipan and even the signature rubbery notes. The finish has dark chocolate, black pepper and in my case, pure joy. With a little water (it won't hurt at this level of ABV) the flavor gets more oaky and woody with milk chocolate.
Read MoreLocation: Roast, Borough Market, London, UK
Date: September 2016
Price: 16.50 GBP ( $ 21.94 USD)
Recipe: Crown Royal Special Reserve and mixed "perfect" with dry and sweet vermouth
Garnish: Black Cherry
Served: Up
Comments: I think the Canadian style does not lend it self as well to Dry Vermouth. I should have gone with a sweeter bourbon for balance.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Homemade, Galveston, Texas
Date: July 2016
Price: Free
Recipe: 2 x Forty Creek, 1 x Dolin sweet vermouth, 1 x Luxardo and Angostura bitters
Garnish: Black Cherry
Served: Up
Comments: I had a feeling that Forty Creek would work really well in this recipe, and it did.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Crows Nest, Capt Cook Hotel, Anchorage, Alaska
Date: July 2016
Price: $ 14.50
Recipe: Sazerac rye with sweet vermouth and almost obligatory Angostura bitters
Garnish: Maraschino Cherry
Served: Up
Comments: I like it when they offer me choice of bourbon or rye... esp. when rye is Sazerac. Very nice.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Zatta Bar, Hilton Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Date: July 2016
Price: Ummm.... forgot to check
Recipe: Glenlivet 12 year old, Vermouth, Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Maraschino cherry
Served: Up
Comments: When is a Manhattan not a Manhattan? When it is a Rob Roy ie made with Scotch... oh well
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Hilton Americas Lobby Bar, Houston, Texas
Date: June 2016
Price: $ 15 ($20.40 SGD)
Recipe: Bulliet Rye based
Garnish: Black Cherry
Served: Rocks
Comments: Nice rye forward and not too sweet. Also gave me choice of bourbon or rye...
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Emirates Lounge, Changi Airport, Singapore
Date: June 2016
Price: Free (self made)
Recipe: Jim Beam, Martini Rossi, Angostura Bitters
Garnish: None
Served: Rocks
Comments: Noticed all ingredients available at the bar... so made a simple / classic Manhattan for myself.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Ciel de Paris, Montparnasse, Paris
Date: May 2016
Price: 18 Euros ($27.71 SGD)
Recipe: Simply Four Roses Bourbon and Martini Rossi.... (nearly $28!)
Garnish: None
Served: Up
Comments: Amazing view from 56th floor restaurant but I paid for it with a below average Manhattan
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Homemade, Singapore
Date: May 2016
Price: N/A
Recipe: Bulleit Rye, Dolin, Luxardo Maraschino, Angostura Bitters
Garnish: None
Served: Up
Comments: Recreated Reserve 101 "classic" recipe with Bulleit rye, great balance.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Lawry's Prime Rib, Singapore
Date: May 2016
Price: $ 15 SGD ($10.92 USD)
Recipe: Canadian Club, Sweet and Dry Vermouth (no bitters?)
Garnish: Orange peel
Served: Up
Comments: Good value (for Singapore) and my first "perfect Manhattan" experiment
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Reserve 101, Houston, Texas
Date: April 2016
Price: $ 8 USD
Recipe: Dolin Vermouth, Bulleit Bourbon, Maraschino Liqueur, Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Cherry
Served: Rocks
Comments: One of my favorites (love the maraschino) and great value. Must try with rye....
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Oak Room, Fairmont Palliser, Calgary, Canada
Date: April 2016
Price: $ 18 CAD ($14.19 USD)
Recipe: Carprano Antica Vermouth, Knob Creek, Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Black cherry
Served: Up
Comments: Nice and sweet with Bourbon but still balanced due to heavy dash of bitters.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii