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Whisky Review: The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old

We review The Macallan 15 year old Double Cask. It's a classic Speyside single malt aged in American and European sherry-seasoned oak.

OVERALL RATING

7
$85.00
  • Kirk Sig is a whisky connoisseur known for his candid and investigative approach to whisky reviews.
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The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old (image via The Macallan)

Tasting Notes

About:

Aged 15 years. 43% ABV (86 proof). Price in US varies widely from $85-$145. Natural color. Speyside, Scotland.
Appearance:
Polished mahogany.
Nose:
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).
Finish:
Comments:
The finish is this whisky’s drawback. Two or three more points in the ABV scale would have worked wonders to remedy such a weak finish. It’s worth mentioning that The Macallan 18 year old Double Cask is noticeably better, even at an anemic 43% ABV.rnrnCan the difference be chalked up to three more years in wood, or is there something else, as well? Hard to say. On the other hand, The Macallan 15 Years Old Double Cask is better than its Triple Cask sibling, even from years gone by. Bravo.rnrnAside from a weak finish in the more recent 15-year-old Double Cask release, there is that hint of gun powder on the nose to consider. Sulfur is a tricky thing, which, unfortunately, can come with the territory if sherry wood is involved in the aging process.rnrnIn this case, the note is far from overpowering. But even the (metaphorical) hint of a smoking gun has been known to cause some hands to cover their glasses politely, should a second round be offered. By way of a disclaimer, it should be mentioned that aversion to light sulfur in a whisky’s scent is a matter of opinion. This view is by no means universal, or even definitive.

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.

Whisky Kirk

Kirk Sig's fascination with Scottish whisky ignited in 1987 during a visit to Edinburgh. In the ensuing three and a half decades, he has cultivated an extensive understanding of distilleries, the whisky industry, and the global whisky landscape.

Kirk prides himself on providing candid and unvarnished reviews, eschewing the prevalent flattery and fluff that often permeate whisky commentary. This direct approach has occasionally ruffled feathers in influential circles, which he views as a testament to his commitment to prioritize the interests of the consumer.

Embracing the spirit of investigative journalism, Kirk's reviews delve deeper, leaving no stone—or cask—unturned. He believes in transparency and ensures that readers are privy to any noteworthy findings, fostering an informed and empowered whisky community.

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