Macallan "tasting" - am I missing something?

[zitsky]

1 minute ago, lsb48154 said:

There was no Johnny Walker Black (only red) available on the Apex a week ago. Rather disappointing!  They claimed supplier issues.  And to add insult to injury, they had Black for sale in the shop on board.

Red tastes like turpentine.

[ExArkie]

From my last trip on Celebrity, I recall that the Macallan "tasting" was a marketing arrangement from the distillery to tout their "quest." Four whiskies (Quest, Lumina, Terra, and Enigma) that vary by finishes, maturation process, and a few other subtleties. Description of the whiskies can be found on Macallan's site: https://www.themacallan.com/en-us/the-quest-collection-whisky

 

The first two were available under the Premium package (we were in a suite, so that was included), so I tried them without paying for the tasting. Also, I was pretty sure I knew more about Speyside and Highland malts than did the person conducting the tasting.

 

My recommendation, assuming that you have the Premium package and that Celebrity hasn't decimated their selection, would be to try the various malts that are included with the package and use some of your Internet minutes to look up each one. You'll find more variation in styles and flavor profiles than with the Macallan line-up. Although, even that doesn't make for a very wide variation. According to information I have from 2019, all of the Scotches were Highland/Speyside except for two: Highland Park from Orkney and Glen Scotia from Campbelltown.

[TeeRick]

32 minutes ago, lsb48154 said:

There was no Johnny Walker Black (only red) available on the Apex a week ago. Rather disappointing!  They claimed supplier issues.  And to add insult to injury, they had Black for sale in the shop on board.

Red is pretty much for non-Scotch drinkers who buy it for the JW name.  If I am looking for a drinkable blend, Black does just fine for me.  I have never really understood why Blue is so expensive.  There are a large number of better and less expensive Scotch single malts and aged blends out there (IMO).

[DaKahuna]

While having one of my daily Ron Zacapa's in Michael's cCub on Reflection last December, this one group of four in the lounge got into a discussion on scotch.  End result was the bartender ended up having him sample every scotch in the bar and also one additional one the bartender retrieved from the Ensemble Lounge.  

 

So that is a free way to sample a number of different ones but I don't think I would be able to taste the true differences after the 2nd or 3rd one. 

 

[markeb]

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

I would do one but then @markeb would show up and would be all like,

 

Can you taste the cinnamon?

What day of the week was this bottled?

Should I taste with my left hand or right hand?

 

I gotta say, a Macallan tasting with just me and the staff would be great!  I wouldn’t mind.

 

I am tempted to get another bottle of Macallan 25 to see how it compares to the last one.

 

 

Hardly!

 

I've had nasal allergies my entire life, and can have a real problem on those little flavors and aromas people tend to gush about. I just know what I like, but can't necessarily describe it very well. Strong cinnamon, maybe. Subtle "baking spices", not so much! Smoke and peat from Islay are easy!

 

And a great sentiment from some YouTube reviewers that are actually fun to watch (probably paraphrased): The best whisk(e)y is the whisk(e)y you enjoy the way you enjoy drinking it!

 

Sláinte!

[zitsky]

7 minutes ago, markeb said:

 

Hardly!

 

I've had nasal allergies my entire life, and can have a real problem on those little flavors and aromas people tend to gush about. I just know what I like, but can't necessarily describe it very well. Strong cinnamon, maybe. Subtle "baking spices", not so much! Smoke and peat from Islay are easy!

 

And a great sentiment from some YouTube reviewers that are actually fun to watch (probably paraphrased): The best whisk(e)y is the whisk(e)y you enjoy the way you enjoy drinking it!

 

Sláinte!

Sl-what did you just say to me?  🙂

[GERRYRICE62]

16 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

I see where there's a tasting on the Reflection - something like $40-45. I am not a dark liquor drinker... mainly drinking vodka/rum/beer, or the occasional margarita. A friend of mine goes on about "Macallan". Is this something I should try?
 

Tom

 

Personally I wouldn't spend that money on it. Irish Whiskey is much better, however they only have Jameson on board. Celebrity really need to offer more choice.

[zitsky]

11 minutes ago, GERRYRICE62 said:

 

Personally I wouldn't spend that money on it. Irish Whiskey is much better, however they only have Jameson on board. Celebrity really need to offer more choice.

 

Jameson?  I tried that in grad school at the bar next door.  Thank god they had Macallan.

 

What is better Irish whiskey?

[GERRYRICE62]

2 minutes ago, zitsky said:

 

Jameson?  I tried that in grad school at the bar next door.  Thank god they had Macallan.

 

What is better Irish whiskey?

Lots of them, Redbreast, Middleton, Greenspot, Yellowspot, Powers Johns Lane. Teelings. Bushmills 21yr.

[GerScot]

14 hours ago, cruise kitty said:

No one ever shows any love for the Laphroaig 😉 

Not surprised!  I have quite a collection of malts and would not allow Laphroaig anywhere near! TCP comes to mind but each to their own.

[TeeRick]

29 minutes ago, GERRYRICE62 said:

 

Personally I wouldn't spend that money on it. Irish Whiskey is much better, however they only have Jameson on board. Celebrity really need to offer more choice.

Ahhh.  The Ages old debate of Whiskey vs. Whisky.  I drink both.  But yes I would like a bit more of a selection of Irish Whiskey on board.  Agree!

[DCPIV]

It -might- be worth it if you have no drink package.  If you do have a drink package (even the classic), it's absurdly overpriced.  You get a few small pours, and the person conducting it likely won't know more than anyone who's spent a few minutes on Wikipedia and the Macallan website.  If the person conducting it does know what they're talking about, then it's probably the bartender for the bar where you can find everything in the tasting.  I do not recommend doing it unless you're really trying to burn OBC.  Keep in mind that you're paying 20% gratuity on top of the price, so you're total cost is $54.  

 

The same goes for the Jack Daniel's tasting or any other paid whisk(e)y tasting on board.  They just aren't worth it.  I did a bourbon tasting (truly trying to burn OBC), and it was overpriced at $20.  It was Maker's Mark, Jack Daniel's, Bulleit, and Woodford Reserve.  The person conducting it didn't even know the actual legal requirements for a liquor to be called "bourbon" and actually gave a little misinformation (such as saying that "bourbon" had to come from Kentucky).  He was a great guy, but he just didn't know what he was talking about.  We all had a good time because it was a good and fun crowd.

 

Likewise, I can't say that you won't have a good time if you do the Macallan tasting or any other paid tasting.  Folks are there to have a good time, so that's what happens.  It's just pricey and has little other value.

 

If you really are interested in whisky, you likely will do better to try things at the World Class Bar (or Cellar Masters on M-class ships) and talk to the bartender.  They tend to be knowledgeable (as I mentioned above). 

 

Another option for any sort of liquor that interests you is to ask at the liquor store about free tastings.  The folks running that shop tend to know a lot, and they usually conduct at least one free tasting every day.  I've even had a couple offer to set something up. Now, that's just as much marketing as the paid tastings, but it's free.  

 

 

[DCPIV]

21 minutes ago, GERRYRICE62 said:

Lots of them, Redbreast, Middleton, Greenspot, Yellowspot, Powers Johns Lane. Teelings. Bushmills 21yr.

 

Don't forget Red Spot.

[GERRYRICE62]

1 minute ago, DCPIV said:

 

Don't forget Red Spot.

Or Bluespot.

[DCPIV]

2 hours ago, lsb48154 said:

There was no Johnny Walker Black (only red) available on the Apex a week ago. Rather disappointing!  They claimed supplier issues.  And to add insult to injury, they had Black for sale in the shop on board.

 

We had the same issue on Reflection, although there was a bottle at the World Class Bar.  I didn't really care, though, since the magical bartender at Michael's got me a bottle of Highland Park 12. 😁

[DCPIV]

Just now, GERRYRICE62 said:

Or Bluespot.

 

Indeed!

[GERRYRICE62]

6 minutes ago, DCPIV said:

 

We had the same issue on Reflection, although there was a bottle at the World Class Bar.  I didn't really care, though, since the magical bartender at Michael's got me a bottle of Highland Park 12. 😁

I was on Equinox in 2019 and ordered a Jameson at I think it was the casino bar. When I sipped it I  immediately realised it was not Jameson but scotch probably Johnny Walker. I said to the barman who showed me the bottle he had poured it from which was indeed a Jameson bottle. I think they must have been running short and poured scotch into the bottle.

[JeanieC,Aston]

1 hour ago, GERRYRICE62 said:

 

Personally I wouldn't spend that money on it. Irish Whiskey is much better, however they only have Jameson on board. Celebrity really need to offer more choice.

I agree,,,,any Irish except Connemara,,,,only Irish peaty whiskey.

 

41 minutes ago, GERRYRICE62 said:

Lots of them, Redbreast, Middleton, Greenspot, Yellowspot, Powers Johns Lane. Teelings. Bushmills 21yr.

Love them all.

A new recent addition is ‘Proper No. Twelve’ a good swigging whiskey,,,concocted by Conor McGregor of UFC fame.

 

Slàinte Mhath

Edited February 19, 2022 by JeanieC,Aston

[PTC DAWG]

If they did this for BOURBON I would be all in..oh well, I can conduct my own tasting round. 🙂

[zitsky]

I should thank the naysayers because if everyone drops out, I’ll have a private tasting.  Do you realize the revenue that Celebrity will lose from the 3 people who signed up?  It could put them out of business! 

[PTC DAWG]

1 hour ago, DCPIV said:

It -might- be worth it if you have no drink package.  If you do have a drink package (even the classic), it's absurdly overpriced.  You get a few small pours, and the person conducting it likely won't know more than anyone who's spent a few minutes on Wikipedia and the Macallan website.  If the person conducting it does know what they're talking about, then it's probably the bartender for the bar where you can find everything in the tasting.  I do not recommend doing it unless you're really trying to burn OBC.  Keep in mind that you're paying 20% gratuity on top of the price, so you're total cost is $54.  

 

The same goes for the Jack Daniel's tasting or any other paid whisk(e)y tasting on board.  They just aren't worth it.  I did a bourbon tasting (truly trying to burn OBC), and it was overpriced at $20.  It was Maker's Mark, Jack Daniel's, Bulleit, and Woodford Reserve.  The person conducting it didn't even know the actual legal requirements for a liquor to be called "bourbon" and actually gave a little misinformation (such as saying that "bourbon" had to come from Kentucky).  He was a great guy, but he just didn't know what he was talking about.  We all had a good time because it was a good and fun crowd.

 

Likewise, I can't say that you won't have a good time if you do the Macallan tasting or any other paid tasting.  Folks are there to have a good time, so that's what happens.  It's just pricey and has little other value.

 

If you really are interested in whisky, you likely will do better to try things at the World Class Bar (or Cellar Masters on M-class ships) and talk to the bartender.  They tend to be knowledgeable (as I mentioned above). 

 

Another option for any sort of liquor that interests you is to ask at the liquor store about free tastings.  The folks running that shop tend to know a lot, and they usually conduct at least one free tasting every day.  I've even had a couple offer to set something up. Now, that's just as much marketing as the paid tastings, but it's free.  

 

 

Excellent points..

[cgolf1]

Now I wish I would have tried the tasting. My favorites run in the glenlivet line and Lagavulin 16 year. A buddy at work said that Talisker 10 is a good budget replacement for Lagavulin and he was right it is quite nice and is my current pour. 
 

I had a sampler pack of Glenmorangie and they were all very good especially the one aged in sherry casks. The biggest disappointment is JW blue, as it is just ok and if you consider the price it is a terrible buy. 
 

I just dabble with scotch, Glenlivet 12 is my goto, but I have had the 15 and 18 as well as the Nadarru blend when it was 40 a bottle. 
 

The problem I have with Scotch is you need to spend 40 plus to get something you can drink neat, where as bourbon there are steals like Five Roses yellow label which is above average considering the price. 40 bucks gets you a really nice bottle of bourbon. 
 

Next cruise I will try the Macallin tasting, and probably end up with more bottles in the bar:)

 

[canderson]

16 hours ago, cruise kitty said:

No one ever shows any love for the Laphroaig 😉 

Harry Starke, perhaps?  Fun shipboard Kindle reads, too.

[Bellfree Bat]

16 hours ago, markeb said:

Back to the OP's actual question.

 

Macallan is one of the best known Scotch Whiskies in the world. Macallan is located in Speyside, a region of the Highlands of Scotland that has a fairly recognizable style. Moderate alcohol, some oak, and generally no peat or smoke that are common in other regions. Macallan chose to market itself as a Highland Scotch versus a Speyside Scotch, which is a trivial pursuit question versus a real difference.

 

Macallan seems to make 1000 different whiskies (Another trivial pursuit question: whisky without an "e" generally means Scotch (although other malt whiskies, such as Japanese Whisky, usually omit the "e"; whiskey, with the "e" is generally Irish or American. But again, Makers Mark is a "Whisky"). Which is a challenge with a Macallan tasting.

 

The tasting can be hit or miss. At least a couple of us on CC who are regular whisk(e)y drinkers have had radically different experiences with the Celebrity tasting experience. Because of the number of variations in Macallan, it's really useful to have someone who knows their stuff guiding you through the tasting. And it also helps if they know whether you can actually buy the product they're tasting. Almost all Scotch whisky makers make "travel editions". Those are duty free only products. You can buy them on the ship, or in duty free in Heathrow, but not in the US. but I confess to being a whisky snob. I'm hearing an 18 or 19 year old Glenmorangie calling me right now...

Cheers from another NOVA whisky snob who was drinking some travel/retail GlenDronach last night!

 

[zitsky]

36 minutes ago, cgolf1 said:

Now I wish I would have tried the tasting. My favorites run in the glenlivet line and Lagavulin 16 year. A buddy at work said that Talisker 10 is a good budget replacement for Lagavulin and he was right it is quite nice and is my current pour. 
 

I had a sampler pack of Glenmorangie and they were all very good especially the one aged in sherry casks. The biggest disappointment is JW blue, as it is just ok and if you consider the price it is a terrible buy. 
 

I just dabble with scotch, Glenlivet 12 is my goto, but I have had the 15 and 18 as well as the Nadarru blend when it was 40 a bottle. 
 

The problem I have with Scotch is you need to spend 40 plus to get something you can drink neat, where as bourbon there are steals like Five Roses yellow label which is above average considering the price. 40 bucks gets you a really nice bottle of bourbon. 
 

Next cruise I will try the Macallin tasting, and probably end up with more bottles in the bar:)

 

It’s worth it if you find something you like.