The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak is a fantastic whisky. There is no denying its quality or its historical importance in the world of single malts. But at around £70 a bottle, its price tag forces us to ask a critical question: are there better options available for less money? I believe the answer is a resounding yes. I’ve consulted with industry experts to find exceptional sherried whiskies that deliver more complexity, a greater age statement, or simply unbelievable quality for a fraction of the cost.
The first and most obvious challenger comes from GlenAllachie. Since being taken over by the legendary Billy Walker in 2017, this distillery has become a behemoth. Walker, often called the King Midas of Sherry, has transformed the spirit through a masterful re-racking program using a variety of sherry and virgin oak casks. The result in their 12-year-old is a multi-award-winning whisky that is, frankly, bloody good. At under £50, it is hard to find anyone who would not recommend this as a phenomenal alternative.
For those seeking more complexity, the Glen Garioch 12 Year Old is a must try. This is an underrated gem from a major producer that deserves far more attention. What sets it apart is a certain three dimensional quality. It moves between sweet, spicy, and even savoury notes of old leather. It is simply a whisky with “more” going on. Crucially, Glen Garioch bottles its core range at a minimum of 48% ABV, giving you more whisky for your money and a richer tasting experience than many competitors. It is a truly magical dram.
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READ THE STORYMy final pick demonstrates just how skewed pricing has become. For about £85, just £15 more than the Macallan 12, you can purchase the Speyburn 18 Year Old. Let that sink in: six years of additional maturation for a tiny increase in price. Compare that to the official Macallan 18 Year Old, which now costs around £375. The Speyburn is a chocolatey, espresso-driven sherry bomb that has won double gold medals for its quality. It is a perfect example of how exploring lesser known distilleries can lead to remarkable value.
We cannot deny the Macallan 12’s role as a foundational product in the modern whisky world. It arguably laid the groundwork for the single malt category as we know it. However, when you judge it with the critical lens of a £70 price tag, it struggles against the incredible value and quality offered elsewhere. While Macallan may have set the original standard, have other distilleries now surpassed it in the quest for value?
For a more detailed look at the whiskies, check out my YouTube video, where Phil Dwyer and I break down our value picks over Macallan 12.
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