Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by The Macallan. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The Macallan distillery in Scotland is known for its extensive use of sherry cask aging, but not for creating Frankenstein-like sherry monsters. Basically, we are talking about a “sweet spot” whisky that has wide appeal. Another nice thing about The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is its deep, rich color that occurs naturally in the aging process.
As of 2020, Macallan’s Double Cask series now comes in 15 years of age, as well as 18 years. The 12 year old flagship offering is also still available. That was first sold in 2016.
One thing that stands out about all three of The Macallan’s Double Cask offerings is the way new American oak barrels are shipped to Spain for the making of sherry. European oak is also used to create sherry in Spain. Afterwards, each type of barrel, seasoned with the sherry that was aged in them, is sent to The Macallan in the Speyside region of Scotland. Hence, this whisky’s name “double cask.”
According to a spokesperson, “[t]he result is a perfect partnership, with the sherry seasoned American oak imparting delicate flavors of vanilla, while the European oak delivers the subtle and unmistakable spice and classic style of The Macallan.”
This hands-on approach to the sourcing and sweetening of cask wood is fairly unique. Not many distilleries are able to maintain such a close working relationship with sherry producers that pass along seasoned casks to Scotland. This rigorous form of quality control has been known to result in reliably consistent whisky offerings. However, it’s worth mentioning that there is a slight flaw in the latest batch of 15 year old Double Cask (in the opinion of this review) that can be attributed to sherry cask management.
Tasting Notes: The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old
Vital Stats: Aged 15 years. 43% ABV (86 proof). Price in US varies widely from $85-$145. Natural color. Speyside, Scotland.
Appearance: Polished mahogany.
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Aroma: Fruit compote, vanilla bean, toffee, Asian pear, pie crust, Manuka honey, and milk chocolate, along with just a hint of gunpowder.
Palate: More fruits, but this time dried with a hint of ginger. Irish breakfast tea, fragrant oak, orange zest. This followed by nutmeg and sour sop (a flavor that hovers between dried pineapple and overripe banana). Thankfully, no sulfur haunts the mouth. The finish is slightly oily (for only 43%), and length is on the long end of short, but falling short of medium. A kind of pepperiness swells at the death (European oak esters).
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