Difference between the Macallan Ruby and Rare cask?

[Fightingirish]

Buddy of mine sat down with both and said he couldn't really tell them apart after moving the Glencairns around.

He asked me if it was possible that since Ruby isn't sold in the States, whether Macallan would come up with the Rare Cask idea with Ruby Whisky in it and offer it as an US release only ?

The more I think about it.....the more it wouldn't surprise me. To the guys that have had both.....is there a noticeable difference ?

[James T]

Yes they are very similar but not the same whisky, perhaps trying them head to head without cleansing the palate between expressions then they may seem like the same whisky to some although I couldn't see me seeing them as the same whisky. I have had both, both are good, both are alike, my preference was for the Rare Cask but as I have said before on here about the Macallan Rare Cask - is it worth the additional cost, I would say no, go for the Macallan Ruby.

[Fightingirish]

I haven't tried either of them. I would imagine they are both tasty. Although, I do find it odd that the Ruby isn't available in the States, yet they come out with "new" bottling just for the US markets that is apparently close or similar. Does that make any sense?

What is it that separate's the Ruby from the Rare cask? Besides an extra nice bottle and fancy packaging

[Samson]

I think Rare Cask was launched in the US but isn't exclusive to the US, I am sure someone will correct me if I have got that wrong.

The combination of premium packaging and the implication by its name that the Rare Cask is a rarer and a more exclusive single malt which many gift buyers will go for, even the price of the Rare Cask will help sell it as something special and rare.

[Quaich1]

Here are my own taste notes for each:

http://www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/macallanrarecaskreview.htm

http://www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4949

They are clearly different expressions and both are very fine whiskies.

_________________
"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[Fightingirish]

Hey Murray

I see you enjoyed the Ruby quite a bit more. Does your score take pricing into account ?
If so, if they were both priced the same, would you still score the Ruby higher?

[Quaich1]

[Fightingirish]

Want both, but I can't afford it. I picked up the Rare cask today as there is much fewer bottles available. I'll pick the Ruby up next month or so.

I must say, the Rare cask bottle is only about half as thick on the bottom as is shown in pictures I've seen everywhere. At least mine is.

[Mr C]

The rare cask is a nice try and so is the ruby, they taste slightly different but not overly much.