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Whisky Review: The Macallan 12 Year Old

We review The Macallan 12 Year, the entry-level single malt from a brand famous for producing outrageously expensive whiskies.

OVERALL RATING

8
$90
  • Joshua St. John, a Portland-based runner and global whisky explorer.
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Tasting Notes

About:

40% ABV (80 proof), 43% ABV (86 proof in the American release), 12 years old, 100% malted barley.
Appearance:
Deep amber with strong legs.
Nose:
Oaky and hot right off the pour. Loads of oak and perfume reads as somewhat bitter at first, with notes reminiscent of an amaretto sour and a hint of spiced plums. The nose softens dramatically after a few minutes, settling into dark sherry and plum sweetness.
Palate:
Sweet and full, but not overly complex. Lots of sherry, plums, powdered sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg give it a silky, round mouthfeel.
Finish:
The finish is quick, with a mild burn and a long, lingering presence of sweetness reminding me of iced cinnamon rolls.
Comments:
The official website for The Macallan flatly states that this incarnation is meant to be enjoyed with friends. This is precisely where this single malt finds its highest value. The dramatic fashion in which the nose changes over a short period of time serves to teach newcomers patience when forming opinions on any whisky they may encounter in the future. The flavors are well-balanced, and the dry sherry notes are easily identifiable within the clean palate. This affords the opportunity for the sipper to become acquainted with those characteristics in a friendly environment before venturing into what are arguably more challenging sherried drams.

There is not an abundance of mystery in picking apart the 12-year offering from The Macallan. Going in with that understanding lends a great deal of versatility to the bottle which might otherwise go unnoticed in more deeply-stocked Scotch collections. This is a great example of an ambassador to the world of single malts by which you can possibly make converts of your more trepidatious friends. In terms of my own sipping,

I don’t find myself reaching for The Macallan 12 often, but I am rarely disappointed when I do.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Joshua St. John

When not savoring whiskey, Joshua St. John can likely be found exploring the trails of the Pacific Northwest near his Portland, Oregon, home. A lifelong world traveler, he was first captivated by single malts during visits to Scottish distilleries. He continues to explore the globe, discovering its diverse cultures through the myriad expressions of his beloved spirit.

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