Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 01:31 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
In my detailed comparison, explore the contrasts between Aberfeldy 12 and Macallan 12, and determine your preferred Single Malt!
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
Aberfeldy 12 vs Macallan 12: Comparison
- Macallan 12 Double Cask shines with its rich sherry, dried fruit, and mixed nuts on the nose, transitioning to a palate of baking spice, oak, and chocolate. It finishes strong with oak, dried fruit, and oak spice. The complexity and depth offered by the sherry and oak cask maturation justify its premium price, making it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, richly flavored Scotch.
- Aberfeldy 12, known for its honey, toffee, vanilla, and pear notes, provides a lighter and sweeter taste. Its palate is accented with caramel, apple, and citrus, ending with a finish of spicy oak and roasted nuts. Offering good value, Aberfeldy 12 is a solid, more budget-friendly alternative for those new to single malts or seeking a gentler Scotch experience.
Verdict:
- For Rich Complexity and Sherry Influence: Macallan 12 Double Cask is the superior choice, offering a layered experience that appeals to those who appreciate the craftsmanship of sherry cask maturation.
- For a Lighter, Sweeter Profile: Aberfeldy 12 is an excellent option, providing a more accessible and budget-friendly Scotch experience without sacrificing quality, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Both whiskies represent their respective distillery’s craftsmanship, with Macallan 12 catering to those desiring a more complex, sherry-influenced profile, and Aberfeldy 12 offering a straightforward, honeyed single malt experience. The choice between them will depend on personal taste preferences and the desire for complexity versus accessibility.
Related: Smoothest 12-year scotch whiskies
Macallan 12 Double Cask:
- Nose: Rich sherry, dried fruit, and oak.
- Palate: Sherry, bitter chocolate, orange zest, and sharp oak.
- Finish: Long, with robust oak and rich dried fruit.
- Alcohol Content: 86 proof (43% ABV).
- How to Drink: Best enjoyed with a splash of water.
- Price: $80 (Approximately, may vary).
Aberfeldy 12:
- Nose: Honey, toffee, vanilla, pear.
- Palate: Caramel, apple, citrus, and balanced oak spice.
- Finish: Moderate, with spicy oak and roasted nuts.
- Alcohol Content: 80 proof (40% ABV).
- How to Drink: Enhances with a bit of water.
- Price: $45 (Approximately, may vary).