Indeed, this expression benefits from the extra weight and vanilla nuttiness derived from American oak. Unmistakably Macallan, and it doesn’t leave anything on the table for having been aged partially in American oak casks instead of European oak. At least as much sherry character as former bottlings of the exclusively sherried 12 year-old, and far more sherry character than Balvenie DoubleWood. Overall: An accomplished, satisfying dram from start to finish.
For some reason this continues even after a rest in the glass. With Water: A few drops of water mute the aroma, leaving only a strong vanilla buttercream note. Slightly tart, fading into nut butter and marshmallow, and ending with only a slight bitter oaky char. Delectable, with fruit jam, orange blossom honey, buttery toasted oak, and vanilla toffee.įinish: Medium-long. Beneath that, a multi-layered malt character with honey and bakery treats. Nose: Macallan-esque rancio sherry, with dried figs, orange peel (although not as much as Dalmore), and walnut meats. That right there is worth the $10 premium over Balvenie DoubleWood. This review applies only to US 750ml bottlings at 43% ABV.) There have likely been others, but this is the first time I’ve personally heard of a distillery seasoning new American oak with sherry and then aging scotch in it. (It’s worth noting that the UK 700ml presentation of this is 40% ABV. This whisky is then blended with traditional Macallan aged in European oak sherry casks and bottled at 43% ABV for the American market. These “seasoned” American oak sherry casks are then used to age Macallan for at least 12 years.
Macallan takes new American oak (NOT ex-bourbon!) and “seasons” it by filling it with sherry for an undisclosed period of time. Contrast this with Macallan 18, currently around $240, and Balvenie DoubleWood 12, currently around $47. These days, $55 for a partially-sherried 12 year-old single malt with a good name is not a bad price. So, when I saw this Macallan “Double Cask” 12 year-old for $55, I was intrigued. Lately my two biggest beefs have been the accelerating price increases and the decelerating age statements. Long-time readers will be familiar with my love-hate relationship with the distillery or, more accurately, with its owners, the Edrington Group. Official tasting notes are below for your consideration.I’ve given Macallan a lot of grief over the years. It is a permanent core offering for The Macallan, and should already be at retail now. This 100% sherry seasoned, natural color whisky is bottled at 43% ABV and is pricing around $65. Fresh and approachable in style, this expression of The Macallan is rich in flavor, honeyed and indulgent, and has a full, viscous mouthfeel, which makes it a great complement to The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old.” “The delicate flavor of American Oak – vanilla, citrus and fresh oak - is at the forefront, along with the traditional Macallan character of dried fruit and wood spice. “By combining wood influences, we have been able to produce a new Macallan which sits perfectly between our existing Sherry Oak and Fine Oak ranges,” said Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan master whisky maker, in a prepared statement.
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