Macallan Edition No. 4 vs Edition No. 5: Whisky 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.

Explore the distinctions between Macallan Edition No. 4 and Edition No. 5 in this detailed comparison and determine which whisky suits your preferences 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. 4 vs Macallan Edition No. 5: Comparison

Macallan Edition No. 4: Rich in sherry, dates, prunes, and honey on the nose, with a palate of sherry, oak, citrus, and chocolate, finishing with oak spice and chocolate. Well-balanced but similar to other sherry-driven Macallans.

Macallan Edition No. 5: Offers honey, caramel, and fruit on the nose, with baking spice, vanilla, caramel, and chocolate on the palate, and a long finish of oak, chocolate, and orange. A complex and rewarding whisky with a unique profile.

Verdict: Macallan Edition No. 5 offers distinctive flavor profile and high proof, offering a nuanced and complex experience. It provides good value for enthusiasts seeking something beyond the typical sherry influence, despite its higher price. Macallan Edition No. 4 remains a solid choice for traditional sherry cask Scotch, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Macallan Edition No. 4: Sherry Influence with Familiar Notes

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. 3

Sherry-Rich Aroma: The initial aroma boasts 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 and warming sensation, leaving lingering notes of oak spice, chocolate, and sherry.

Solid, Yet Familiar: While enjoyable, Edition No. 4 leans heavily on the classic sherry-forward profile found in the Macallan 12 Sherry Oak Cask, a well-loved expression known for its smoothness and richness. This, coupled with the significant price difference, might make it 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.

Exploring Further: While Edition No. 4 offers a well-balanced sherry influence, those seeking a more distinct flavor profile or a better value proposition might find alternative options more satisfying.

Macallan Edition No. 5: A Well-Balanced and Flavorful Dram

Nose: Honey, caramel, orange, apricot, oak
Palate: Baking spice, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, walnuts
Finish: Long, oak, chocolate, orange
Alcohol content: 97 proof (48.5% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Macallan Edition No. 6

Inviting Aroma: The initial aroma reveals a delightful sweetness of honey and caramel, followed by refreshing orange and apricot notes, all balanced by a subtle hint of oak. This sets the stage for a pleasant tasting experience.

Rich and Full-Bodied: This whisky boasts a luxurious mouthfeel, coating the palate with a satisfyingly viscous sensation.

Complex Flavor Profile: The taste opens with a warm burst of cinnamon and nutmeg, transitioning into familiar notes of vanilla, caramel, and bitter chocolate. Hints of walnut add an unexpected layer of richness, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable profile.

Lingering Warmth: The finish, while slightly shorter than some whiskies, offers a pleasant warmth with lingering notes of oak, chocolate, and a touch of orange zest.

Exceeding Expectations: Compared to Macallan’s standard releases like the Double Cask and Triple Cask, Edition No. 5 delivers a more complex and flavorful experience. This is likely due to its higher alcohol content, which intensifies the taste without compromising the brand’s signature smoothness.

A Premium Experience: While Macallan whiskies are known for their higher price point, Edition No. 5 offers a well-balanced and enjoyable dram that justifies its cost for many enthusiasts. The complex flavor profile, with its enticing spice notes and hints of sweetness, makes it a worthy addition to any whisky collection.

Additional Notes:

No age statement is provided.
This whisky matures in a unique combination of cask types, including first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and various sherry casks.
Crafted by the experienced Master Distiller Sarah Burgess.
The bottle features a unique purple color created by the Pantone Color Institute.

Remember: While this review highlights the positive aspects of Macallan Edition No. 5, it’s important to consider your budget and personal preferences when making a purchase.