Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Cask

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Scotch Whisky Review: The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Cask

If you're new to sherry cask whiskies, The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is a great place to start, though it can be a bit pricey.

by Phil Dwyer
February 6, 2025

Phil Dwyer is a whisky enthusiast, YouTuber, and manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.

Tasting Notes:

About:

An absolute classic in every sense. Whether it comes down to taste, design, age statement, cask type, reputation around the world – The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak has it all. Having first been bottled in the 1960s by a range of independent bottlers, and the coming into its own in 1984 when The Macallan began to bottle its own whiskies for the first time in the modern era. Since then, The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak has made a massive impact on the world of whisky and its consumers.

Appearance:

Orange

Nose:

One of the most classic examples of sherry matured whisky on the planet. Raisins, figs, dates and a little dark chocolate for both sweetness and sharp contrast. There are some note of vanilla, clove and orange oil, as well as some red vermouth notes of strawberry, rhubarb, milk chocolate, and some very subtle oak scents.

Palate:

A relatively oily liquid for whisky at 40% ABV. You have all of those classic sherry notes again of raisin, figs, chocolate, fruit cake and vanilla. As well as some sharpness from those red vermouth notes popping up again with rhubarb and slightly sour raspberry notes.

All of this wrapped up in some wonderful cocoa powder notes at the very back of the palate.

Finish:

More of this chocolate truffle/cocoa powder profile, again with some slightly tarter fruit notes appearing at the very end, as well as some Cognac-esque flavours.

Comments:

This is a bottle where you’d be quite happy if someone bought it for you. There is a lot of competition in the world of sherry cask whisky now, but The Macallan still sell an incredible amount of this stuff. I’ve ran through many bottles of this in my time and it still has an impact and unique flavor of its own.

Should You Buy The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Cask?

If you’re new to sherry cask whiskies, The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is a great place to start, though it can be a bit pricey. However, if you’ve already explored some less expensive sherried options, then you should definitely give it a try. Even though it’s a sherry-aged single malt at 40% ABV, The Macallan has a unique way of making its spirit.

Every distillery has its own unique approach, of course, but The Macallan has a certain textural and social weight that other 40% ABV whiskies often lack. The distillery philosophy focuses on accessible, complex, and premium flavors. It almost feels like your whisky collection is incomplete without a bottle of The Macallan 12 Year Old at some point.

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Sherry Oak or Double Cask?

This is a hotly debated topic in retail. Both bottles sell very well, but for slightly different reasons. The common ground is that they’re both 12-year-old single malts. The Double Cask has a lighter profile than the Sherry Oak, which is considered the more classic example of The Macallan’s whisky style.

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Ultimately, it comes down to your preference. If you’re in the mood for something richer, darker, and a bit more complex, the Sherry Oak is the way to go. If you prefer something lighter, fresher, and a little sweeter, the Double Cask is an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts on The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Cask?

As a whisky drinker, this is a bottle you can’t really avoid. It’s a bottle that’s made a significant mark on the whisky world, establishing The Macallan as the go-to name when it comes to sherry casks. People naturally think of, and buy, The Macallan when they’re looking for a sherry cask whisky.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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