The nose is just like a pile of apple and pear peels left out for a few minutes after peeling. There's a subtle creaminess and honey, but it's certainly not your typical sherry profile. On the palate, the fruit peel transforms into citrus peel – oranges, tangerines, with a definite bitterness. There are also quite a few spicy, bitter notes, but the taste is completely dominated by citrus, unyieldingly so. The finish is lemony, fresh, and of medium length. A very good and fresh whisky, but it definitely lacks complexity and that certain 'wow' factor. I understand it's a pricey indulgence for cocktails, but I felt its citrus flavors would be excellent in some summer drinks. 82/100
Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak Cask
Whiskey Scotch Highlands 12 Year 43% ABV
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About this bottle
The Macallan allocates substantial annual resources to the wood used for aging its whiskies. For the Sherry Oak Cask Series, European oak sherry casks were primarily employed, supplemented by some American oak sherry casks. The majority of these were first-fill casks, contributing more pronounced color and flavors. Following twelve years of maturation, this single malt is bottled at 43% ABV and retains its natural color, without the addition of caramel coloring.
How it tastes
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Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 50 parsed reviews.
Sophisticated scotch. Lovely copper hue with persistent legs. Extremely smooth and viscous texture. Flavors of crème brûlée, vanilla, malt, biscuit, cherry, and apple. Some find this scotch overpriced. It's not for daily enjoyment. Reserve it for significant moments. I've spent $80-$100 on many bourbons or scotches. Keep it accessible for special companions and celebrations. This bottle signifies a dedicated scotch enthusiast and might attract others to our hobby. Salute!
It's the most iconic when talking about whisky with a Sherry finish. Certainly, a benchmark for the style, as it delivers everything one expects. The aroma features vanilla, baked apple, almonds, and a very slight citrus note of candied orange. The flavor showcases a prominent sherry influence, a well-balanced oiliness, and a medium-high persistence in the finish. Very good.
I began exploring Scotch a few years ago due to my Scottish background. My initial introduction was Macallan, and I later moved on to more robust Scotches. This isn't to say Macallan isn't good; it is very good. Returning to it occasionally reminds me of its quality and simplicity. It's delicious, well-crafted, and deserving of a place on any shelf.
Macallan 12 Sherry always impresses me. Its flavor profile is unique; don't listen to detractors who suggest alternatives like Glendronach. Glendronach is also excellent but tastes completely different from Macallan. Macallan 12 is very well-balanced, featuring raisin notes from the sherry, milk chocolate, and a savory, mouth-watering quality.
The nose offers some caramel and fruit. The palate has subtle fruitiness, certainly less fruity than other sherry-finished whiskeys. Woody flavors are prominent, with some sweetness on the palate. The finish leaves a pleasant tingling sensation on the tongue and the roof of the mouth. My favorite sherry offering so far.
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Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.