The Macallan 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
86 Proof
Price Point: $50 – $60 for 750 ML
Distiller: The Macallan Distillers Ltd.
Background
Well over a year ago, I posted a review of the Macallan Fine Oak 10 Year Old. It was not a favorable review. Afterwards, I avoided Macallan with the understanding that the rest of their line would be similar. That was quite a mistake!
A few months later, I ordered the standard Macallan 12 Year Old in a bar, and really enjoyed it! There are very few Scotches that possess a comparable intensity in sherry aroma and flavor. My mind was made – Macallan was good stuff!
Review
Macallan 12 Year Old starts out with a strong presence of sherry on the nose. This is very similar to Glenmorangie Lasanta. There’s some nice oak in there as well, but it seems like a few more years in the barrel could add a lot to this whisky.
The taste is very wine-like; interesting if you are used to bourbons and non-sherried Scotches. Macallan 12 Year Old is more mature here than on the nose, but still a little young for my tastes. I also prefer Lasanta between the two mainly because of the difference in proof. One interesting note is a distinct bit of dark chocolate – very nice!
There’s a nice bite on the finish for 43%.
Rating & Recommendations
I enjoy this whisky as a change of pace, which is why I rate it an 85 out of 100.
Macallan 12 Year Old is very different from most other whiskies, and certainly miles ahead of the Fine Oak 10 Year Old. I would recommend sampling an older expression or going with the Lasanta for the same money.
-Ryan
5 pings
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