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
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The Whiskey Brotherhood » Whiskey-Reviews.com | Whiskey-Reviews.com
February 16, 2013 at 1:56 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] & Tonic!”, “Chardonnay!” I feel a little out of place, but I order the Macallan 12 Year Old. About twenty minutes pass, and a man walks up next to me to get another drink. The bartender [...]
Macallan Fine Oak 10 Year Old Scotch – Review » Whiskey-Reviews.com | Whiskey-Reviews.com
February 16, 2013 at 1:57 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] something new to try, and I found it. I would be curious to try the more mature expressions that the Macallan has to offer, but I’m not entirely impressed with this [...]
The Glendronach Revival 15 Year Old Scotch – Review | Whiskey-Reviews.com
April 27, 2013 at 12:29 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] Scotches are special to me. Whether it’s the Macallan, Glenmorangie Lasanta, the Dalmore, or even my personal favorite Ardbeg Uigeadail, these whiskies [...]