565249 Thu Oct 16 11:06:18 -0700 2008 7 36 Spirits 0 4108720 Here's the link to search for the event nearest you! http://www.celebratethemacallan.com/lookup_event Thu Oct 16 11:06:18 -0700 2008 12873 OCAnn 1 4108764 Thanks for the heads up on this! Thu Oct 16 11:22:22 -0700 2008 4108720 23776 DavidT 1 4111602 This is worth the effort if you can attend. It is remenscent of how the J. Walker used to do their events a few years ago before they switched to thimbule sized tastes of each whiskey. You are ushered in and handed a glass of Macallen 10yr. Fine Oak. ( I've always liked this product) there are some apps and whathave you. then you grab a table and settle in. Don't be afraid to go back up and ask for a refil on the 10yr Fine Oak. You only get a "token" for one drink but i was happily poured another dram. The tasting is what you expect with an ambassador giving a spiel and running through the macallan product. Products distributed for tasting are: 12 yr original, 15yr. Fine Oak, 17 yr. Fine oak, and the Macallen 25yr. When you leave, if you hand them a survey, you get a gift bag that contains a black Macallan hat and a Glencairn glass. You should go if yo can. Total time of the event is about an hour and a half. I left with a very nice buzz. Fri Oct 17 14:03:15 -0700 2008 4108720 217582 cannedmilkandfruitypebbles 2 4111840 Thank you for the event preview. I liked the JW events in LA; nice settings, great apps and an educational tasting. Sounds like the same but w/Macallan scotch.... Fri Oct 17 15:51:00 -0700 2008 4111602 12873 OCAnn 1 4121250 I attended the Macallan tasting in San Francisco last nite. I thought the presentation was, at times, a little too much of a "rah-rah" pep rally. We did get to taste 5 different Macallan single-malts. The appetizers served were tasty and ample. On our way out the door, we received a 1/10th bottle of the 12-year old single malt and a nice tasting glass. Wed Oct 22 09:54:14 -0700 2008 4108720 23776 DavidT 2 4121642 Sweet! Thanks for reporting back. Mr OCAnn wanted to go, but with his work schedule & traffic, we can't make any of the LA tastings.... Wed Oct 22 12:02:33 -0700 2008 4121250 12873 OCAnn 1 4126828 Thanks for the info. Registered for NYC event. Will report back as a loyal hound should. Fri Oct 24 12:52:05 -0700 2008 4108720 28638 phantomdoc 2 4230473 Went to the NYC event Friday night. The location was in a loft near the 31st St ramp to the Lincoln Tunnel. It was a nice place. They registered everyone in the lobby and gave a gold colored token and a survey card. Once up to the 12th floor on a too slow elevator (20 min wait ) you got your first dram in a rocks glass. It was Macallan 10 year. I saw a plate that looked like it had had some snacks but was pretty much empty except for a couple of triangles of cheese and a few berries. There was a large table manned with 2 bartendenders happily giving refils of the 10 year along with mixers and ice. I was taken aback by the selection of mixers. They had Ginger ale, Coke, and Diet Coke. No seltzer/Club soda. I tried some mixed with ginger and must admit it was not bad. I then found a seat at a table that had a large glass full of salted mixed nuts, and waited for the presentation to begin. Mrs Doc showed up a bit late and missed out on the 10 year sample. The presentation was by a big shot in the company who ws very personable called an Ambassador of Macallan. Video of Scotland and factory production methods, oak barrels etc. pretty interesting. Then a Macarin glass of 12 year old ws distributed to all by waiters. Each table also had a pitcher of water for adding to the whiskey. He spoke some more about haw Macalln spends more money every year on barrels than all other Scotch distillers combined. They loan them to the Spanish to age sherry for a few years before the put them to use. It is easy to obtain used Bourbon barrels because Bourbon barrels can only be used once for Bourbon making. When they distill the product they only cut either 16 or 19% of the total amount of alcohol. Then a sample of the 15 year. He asks if anyone has taken a wine tasting class with the purpose of telling you not to stick your nose all the way into the glass for the aroma. Also says how some water opens up the flavors and makes them more available and distinct. Here comes the 17 year. We see some pics of him at various events and what was going on in the world when the whiskey was first put in casks to age. When you think about it the final dram, the 18 year was started in 1990. That was a long time go. The brew masters select 50 or so barrels of the hootch resting since 1990 and that is what the mix and bottle. The Ambassador also said that he has tasted all kind of elite bottlings and most FAQ is what he thinks is best. His answer is the 18 year. Then you fill out the survey card with questions and comments, hand it in and receive a gift bag with a Macarin whiskey glass a 50 ml bottle of 12 year and a Godiva 72% chocolate bar with almonds. And leave with a nice buzz. Mon Dec 08 15:16:35 -0800 2008 4126828 28638 phantomdoc