Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:43 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.
Explore the contrasts between Aberlour 12 and Macallan 12 in my thorough comparison to choose the preferred Single Malt 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
Aberlour 12 vs Macallan 12: Comparison
Aberlour 12: A rich and sweet Speyside malt with notes of raisins, baking spice, and charred oak on the nose, leading to a palate of caramel, spice, and nutmeg. The finish is warm with chocolate and cinnamon. It’s a smooth and balanced whisky, perfect for those who enjoy a combination of sweetness and oak.
Macallan 12 Double Cask: Features sherry, dried fruit, and mixed nuts on the nose, with a palate that blends baking spice, oak, and chocolate. The finish is long with dried fruit and oak spice. This whisky highlights the influence of sherry and oak casks, creating a sweet and slightly spicy profile.
Verdict: Both Aberlour 12 and Macallan 12 Double Cask offer a glimpse into the world of Speyside whiskies, each with a unique approach to balancing sweet and oaky flavors. Aberlour 12 is ideal for those seeking a balanced, smooth experience, while Macallan 12 Double Cask appeals to fans of sherry-matured complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 12-Year-Old Single Malts
Aberlour 12: A Smooth and Balanced Speyside Single Malt
- Nose: Raisins, baking spice, charred oak
- Palate: Caramel, spice, nutmeg, charred oak
- Finish: Chocolate, cinnamon, charred oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 12
Aberlour 12 offers a pleasantly sweet and rich taste experience, characteristic of Speyside whiskies.
Aromatic Delights:
- The enticing nose greets you with a prominent aroma of raisin, complemented by subtle hints of baking spices and charred oak.
Balanced Flavors:
- The palate experiences a smooth and satisfying texture with a mild spiciness balanced by nutmeg, caramel, and charred oak notes.
Warming Finish:
- The finish leaves a pleasant warmth with hints of dark chocolate and cinnamon, along with a lasting charred oak character.
- Adding a touch of water enhances the sweetness of caramel while accentuating the oak.
A Well-Rounded Choice:
- Aberlour 12 is a well-rounded and approachable single malt with a sweet and rich taste that avoids being overly oaky.
- It offers a good balance between smoothness and complexity, making it enjoyable for both new and experienced whisky drinkers.
Additional Notes:
- This expression is matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
- The sophisticated bottle design adds a touch of elegance to your experience.
Macallan 12 Double Cask: A Sweet Sherry-Spiced Single Malt
- Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, mixed nuts
- Palate: Baking spice, oak, chocolate
- Finish: Oak, dried fruit, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfarclas 12
Macallan 12 Double Cask offers a smooth and inviting introduction to the world of sherry-matured whiskies.
Aromatic Notes:
- The nose is filled with sweet and pleasant scents of sherry, oak, and dried fruit.
Balanced Flavors:
- The initial sip may present a prominent oak taste, but it unfolds to reveal a well-rounded blend of sherry, dark chocolate, and orange zest, accompanied by a warming sensation.
Long-Lasting Finish:
- The finish lingers with a lasting oak character complemented by the sweetness of dried fruit and a touch of spice.
Double Cask Delight:
- This expression highlights the unique contributions of both sherry and oak casks, creating a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience.
Who Should Try It:
- Great entry point for those curious about sherry-matured whiskies, offering a subtle chocolate note and manageable oak influence.
- Seasoned drinkers might find the oakiness a bit dominant.
Tips:
- Adding a few drops of water can tone down the oak and spice, making it even smoother and more approachable.
Double Cask Facts:
- Aged 12 years in a combination of American and European oak casks seasoned with Spanish sherry wine.
- Award-winning: Double Gold Medal (SF World Spirits Competition 2017), Gold Medal & 95 points (International Review of Spirits Tasting 2017).
- Naturally colored for a rich amber hue.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 12 Double Cask | $61 |
| Macallan Double Cask | $66 |