Whisky Review: Macallan 12

Name: Macallan 12
Spirit Type: Single Malt
Age: 12
Region: Speyside
Year Distilled: Not specified
Year Bottled: Not specified (2012?)
Cask Maturation: Oloroso Sherry
Alcohol %: 43%
Color: Amber + 3
Date Purchased: 2012.09
Price: $43 @ Costco

Information

Ah, the Macallan.  Thought by some to be the undisputed champion of sherried whiskies.  Is that true?  I’m not sure.  But everyone should have a taste of Macallan 12 at some point – especially before demand outstrips supply!

Nose

Your classic sherry bomb.  Rich druied fruits, brown sugar and spice.  Winey, red grapes.  Cloves and cinnamon.  Some sweet orange notes, and a hint of salt.  A bit of unlit match.  Has a similarity to Armagnac.

Palate

Sherry Sherry Sherry.  Syrupy mouthfeel.  Dark oranges, christmas spices, and sweet melon.  A hint of aged cheese bitterness.

Finish

Some similarities to Sherry.  Sometimes a bit off-putting, actually, but expected as it is sherry matured (sherry has a dry bitternes to it).  Medium in length.

Conclusion

A very well done sherry malt.  Strangely, I have to be “in the mood” for this one – sometimes it is great, other times it doesn’t sit right.  When it’s good, it’s great, although a bit one-dimensional.

Overall Rating: 86/100

Compare To:

  • Glendronach 12
  • Aberlour A’bunadh
  • Bunnahabhain 12

Macallan

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