Macallan Edition No. 3 vs Macallan Edition No. 4: Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:12 am

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Uncover the variations between Macallan Edition No. 3 and Macallan Edition No. 4 in this comprehensive comparison and make an informed choice about which Single Malt suits your palate best!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Macallan Edition No. 3 vs Macallan Edition No. 4: Comparison

Macallan Edition No. 3: Offers a refreshing twist with vanilla, orange, and chocolate aromas, an oak-forward palate with licorice and ginger, finishing smoothly with oak, vanilla, and chocolate notes. A departure from Macallan’s classic profile, it’s a complex, yet smooth choice for enthusiasts.

Macallan Edition No. 4: Sherry-rich nose with dates and prunes, balanced by a sherry, oak, and chocolate palate, and an oak spice finish. While solid and enjoyable, it closely aligns with Macallan’s traditional sherry-forward offerings, presenting a familiar experience at a premium price.

Verdict: Both Edition No. 3 and Edition No. 4 showcase Macallan’s expertise in crafting distinctive whiskies, with No. 3 offering a unique departure from the usual profile, and No. 4 providing a refined, though familiar, sherry influence. Each appeals to different preferences, with No. 3 intriguing those looking for something different, and No. 4 satisfying traditionalists, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Macallan Whiskies

Macallan Edition No. 3: A Unique Twist on a Classic

Nose: Vanilla, orange, chocolate
Palate: Oak, licorice, ginger, chocolate
Finish: Oak, vanilla, chocolate
Alcohol content: 96.6 proof (48.3% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Macallan Edition No. 5

Intriguing Aroma: The first whiff reveals a delightful combination of vanilla, orange, a touch of chocolate, and a subtle hint of oak, offering a pleasant and inviting start to the tasting experience.

Oak-Forward Palate: Unlike the typical Macallan profile, Edition No. 3 takes an unexpected turn, leading with prominent oak notes. This is followed by a wave of intriguing flavors like licorice, ginger, and bitter chocolate, all balanced with a gentle touch of oak spice.

Smooth Finish: While the finish might be considered relatively short compared to other whiskies, it remains smooth and pleasant, leaving lingering notes of oak, vanilla, and chocolate. This concludes the tasting journey with a satisfying warmth, devoid of any harshness.

A Departure from the Norm: What truly sets Edition No. 3 apart is its unique flavor profile. This expression deviates from the classic Macallan characteristics, offering a distinctive and complex experience that wouldn’t feel out of place in your whisky collection, even alongside other established favorites.

Layered and Smooth: Despite its higher alcohol content, Edition No. 3 presents a surprisingly smooth and layered experience. This complexity, combined with its unique flavor profile, makes it a worthy addition to any enthusiast’s cabinet, offering a refreshing departure from the expected Macallan taste.

Additional Notes:

This whisky lacks an age statement.
It is a product of collaboration between Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno and renowned perfumer Roja Dove.
The use of a high proportion of smaller casks is said to emphasize specific aromas in the final product.
The aging process incorporates a combination of European and American oak refill casks, along with ex-bourbon barrels.

Macallan Edition No. 4: Sherry Influence with Familiar Echoes

Nose: Sherry, dates, prunes, citrus, honey
Palate: Sherry, oak citrus, oak spice, chocolate
Finish: Oak spice, chocolate, sherry
Alcohol content: 96.8 proof (48.4% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Macallan Edition No. 5

Sherry-Rich Aroma: The initial nose greets you with a strong presence of sherry notes, complemented by hints of dates, prunes, orange zest, and honey.

Balanced Palate: The taste profile features prominent sherry and oak flavors, balanced by delightful hints of orange zest, dark chocolate, and baking spice, accompanied by a subtle touch of oak spice.

Lingering Warmth: The finish delivers a dry yet warming sensation, leaving lingering notes of oak spice, chocolate, and sherry.

Solid, Yet Familiar: While enjoyable, Edition No. 4 doesn’t stray far from the classic sherry-forward profile found in the Macallan 12 Sherry Oak Cask, a well-loved expression known for its smooth character and richness. This, coupled with the significant price difference, might make Edition No. 4 less appealing to those seeking a unique and distinctive experience.

Intricate Aging: Despite lacking an age statement, this special release celebrates the brand’s mastery of barrel management, utilizing an exceptionally intricate aging process involving a variety of cask types.