Glenallachie 12 vs Macallan 12

Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:37 pm

Discover the differences between Glenallachie 12 vs Macallan 12 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Glenallachie 12 vs Macallan 12: Which to Buy?

Glenallachie 12: A Speyside gem with a creamy blend of banana, caramel, and chocolate. Offers a smooth, medium finish with oak and chocolate hints. Perfect for those who love a rich, fruity whisky with a comforting finish.

The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak: Smooth, with a rich vanilla and dried fruit profile, complemented by a warm sherry finish. Ideal for enthusiasts seeking a classic, approachable single malt with a sweet, sherry influence.

Verdict: Glenallachie 12 and The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak both present their unique expressions of Speyside elegance, each offering a distinct journey of flavors and aromas. Whether drawn to the creamy, fruity notes of Glenallachie or the vanilla and sherry sweetness of Macallan, whisky lovers can find joy in each sip, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Sherry Cask Aged Whisky Collection

Glenallachie 12: A Smooth Speyside Delight

• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: GlenDronach 12

Aromatic Allure:

• Fruity & Nutty: The nose welcomes you with inviting aromas of ripe banana, almond, and a hint of oak, creating a delightful first impression.

Flavorful Journey:

• Creamy & Comforting: The first sip offers a luxuriously creamy texture, followed by captivating flavors of ripe banana, rich caramel, sweet raisins, and decadent chocolate.
• Smooth Finish: The experience concludes with a medium to long finish, remarkably smooth and surprisingly gentle, with a touch of warming oak spice and lingering chocolate notes.

Enhanced Enjoyment:

• Unlocking Hidden Depths: Adding a few drops of water unveils further complexity and sweetness, revealing even more delicious flavors of caramel, chocolate, and oak.

Exceptional Quality:

• Multifaceted & Full-Bodied: The Glenallachie 12 is a stunning whisky, boasting multiple layers of flavor and a full-bodied character.
• Delightful Sweetness & Remarkable Smoothness: This expression presents a delightful sweetness balanced by remarkable smoothness, even at its robust 92-proof strength.
• Sherried Influences: Maturation in Pedro Ximénez sherry, oloroso sherry, and virgin oak casks contributes to the whisky’s unique character and delightful sweetness.

Award-Winning & Independent:

• Highly Acclaimed: Glenallachie 12 secured a prestigious Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, showcasing its exceptional quality.
• Authentic & Uncompromised: This whisky is unfiltered and uncolored, offering a genuine representation of the distiller’s craft.
• A Young & Independent Spirit: Founded in 1967, Glenallachie remains one of the youngest distilleries in Scotland, and proudly operates as an independent company owned by Billy Walker, Trisha Savage, and Graham Stevenson.

The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak: A Smooth and Approachable Single Malt Whisky

• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Glenfiddich Sherry Cask

Aromatic Delights:

• Creamy Vanilla: The aroma opens with a rich vanilla scent, inviting you in for a taste.
• Hints of Dried Fruit: Subtly sweet notes of dried fruit add complexity to the aroma.
• Touch of Oak: A gentle oak presence balances the sweetness.

Taste Profile:

• Smooth and Creamy: The Sherry Oak expression boasts a delightfully smooth and creamy texture.
• Warm and Sweet: The initial sip offers a pleasant warmth and sweetness, reminiscent of vanilla and dried fruit.
• Fruity Notes: Flavors of prune and other dried fruits come through, adding depth.
• Balanced Oak: A subtle touch of oak lingers in the background, adding elegance.
• Lingering Sherry Finish: The finish is long and showcases the sherry influence, leaving a warm and slightly spicy impression.

Easy to Enjoy:

• Smooth and Approachable: The Macallan Sherry Oak is exceptionally smooth and easy to savor, making it a great choice for both whisky veterans and newcomers.
• Sweetness from Sherry: The influence of sherry casks adds a touch of sweetness, making it more approachable than expressions with stronger oak notes.
• Enjoy Neat or on the Rocks: This whisky can be enjoyed neat, allowing you to appreciate the full flavor profile. For a chilled experience, use a large ice ball to avoid diluting the taste.

Macallan Sherry Oak Facts:

• Aged 12 Years: This expression spends 12 years maturing in hand-picked Oloroso sherry casks, contributing to its unique character.
• Rich History: The Macallan Distillery, founded in 1824, holds a long and prestigious history in Speyside, Scotland.
• Part of a Renowned Family: The Macallan is owned by the Edrington Group, which also houses other well-known whisky brands.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Glenallachie 12	$76
Macallan 12 Sherry Oak	$89