The Macallan 12 year old whisky comes in fine oak and sherry finishes. Both will be addressed in this review.
The sherry finish is exactly what you’d want and expect from an entry level whisky. Lots of fruity flavors on the nose, including cherry, blackberry and dried fruit, as well as the distinct taste of sherry. To taste there is cherry, caramel, oak and dried fruit. Sweet is the word, and the Macallan 12 certainly isn’t kidding about with its sherry-ness – no subtle additions here, just full-blown fruity sweetness. The finish is both sweet and spice and quite long. An affordable, delicious appertif, to my tastes.
In Europe, the Macallan 12 is being phased out in favor of the Macallan Gold. No age statement whiskies are becoming more popular due to the increase in demand for some brands who just cannot keep up. It provides more flexibility, as not all barrels age the same and some younger whisky that is aging well could be combined with some older whisky. It’s an interesting strategy and one that has been adopted by others such as Ardbeg. It’ll no doubt put off some people who love having the big number on their bottles, but hopefully the quality will continue with their newly labelled whisky.
The best thing about this whisky is the price. It’s a tasty sherry-finished whisky that can be a nice little daily drinker. It just doesn’t have much to keep me interested, though, despite the fact that it’s a pleasant and refined taste, full of sweetness and sherry, but if going for a sweet whisky I prefer an offering from Aberlour.
Moving on, then, to the Macallan Fine Oak 12 year old. The nose on this one is quite soft and mildly fruity. To taste, there are lots of soft fruit flavors like grapefruit, a whiff of banana, sultanas and a light earthy taste. The finish is short and very fresh, and left me wanting another taste. Of the two Macallan 12s I prefer the sherry finish.
Macallan 12 Year Old Information
- Type: 12 year old single malt
- Region: Highland by label, though previously Speyside
- ABV: 40%
- Price guide: 35 British pounds (Macallan Gold), $50 USD.