Nose : Rather restrained at first with only a bit of sherry influence, apples, orange marmalade, and a tiny bit of rubber, and candied ginger, with a sweet note, honeyed cereal,sour notes too.
Palate: More sherry influence here with dried fruit mainly sultana, caramelized apple, and baking spices such as cinnamon, ginger powder and clove. Honey sweetness and ripe orange, chocolate more towards the bitter kind… And then oak.
Finish : Oak, dark chocolate and caramel with a salty edge.
Conclusion: This is a fine whisky, and frankly it was better than I had anticipated. Although it not as good as the 12 sherry oak, it is well made, very enjoyable, and the sherry notes are there, with a good balanced profile. I feel that Macallan fans will be happy with the result, and this will indeed be a popular Xmas present for fans of the brand
BOW (84)
There are distilleries, and then there is The Macallan. For nearly two centuries, this Speyside legend has stood as a benchmark for what single malt Scotch whisky should aspire to be. And with the Macallan 12 Years Old Double Cask, they’ve delivered a masterclass in marrying the old world with the new—a whisky that is not just crafted but curated.
Since its founding in 1824, Macallan has lived and breathed craftsmanship. With the Double Cask expression, they’ve taken this ethos to another level, using a seamless blend of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and European oak sherry-seasoned casks. It’s a meeting of continents, traditions, and flavors, resulting in a whisky of extraordinary balance and complexity.
The nose? A revelation. Vanilla dances with citrus zest, while dried fruits and warming spices drift gently in the background—a promise of what’s to come. And then the palate—oh, the palate. Silky smooth, it begins with creamy toffee and vanilla, before a citrusy brightness emerges. Sweet orange segues into a deeper medley of sherried dried fruits, interwoven with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of ginger. The finish? Lingering, warm, and utterly satisfying.
This isn’t just a whisky; it’s a statement. A declaration that Macallan can honor their heritage while pushing boundaries. The 12 years spent in oak are not just a nod to patience but a showcase of what time can achieve when coupled with ingenuity. American oak brings softness and sweetness, while European oak adds bold, spicy depth. Together, they create harmony—a whisky that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
Macallan 12 Years Old Double Cask isn’t merely a single malt; it’s an experience. A whisky that doesn’t just sit in a glass but tells a story—of tradition, innovation, and the meticulous art of making something truly exceptional. For those seeking to understand why Macallan is revered the world over, this is your answer. A liquid symphony that proves some reputations aren’t just earned; they’re deserved.
