Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:44 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 distinctions between Balvenie 12 and Macallan 12 in my comprehensive comparison to 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
Balvenie vs Macallan: Comparison
The Balvenie 12: Known for its honeyed sweetness and smooth, balanced palate of caramel and citrus. It finishes with spicy oak and roasted nuts, embodying the quintessential Speyside character. Perfect for those who appreciate a smooth and approachable single malt.
The Macallan 12 Double Cask: Showcases sherry and oak on the nose, leading to a palate of baking spice and chocolate, finishing with oak and dried fruit. A superb introduction to sherry-matured Scotch, ideal for drinkers looking for a balanced, yet rich flavor profile.
Verdict: Both The Balvenie 12 and The Macallan 12 Double Cask offer a gateway to Speyside whiskies, with The Balvenie focusing on smoothness and subtlety, and The Macallan presenting a richer, sherry-infused experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Speyside Scotch Recommendations
The Balvenie 12: Smooth & Balanced Speyside Single Malt
- Nose: Honey, toffee, vanilla, pear
- Palate: Caramel, apple, citrus
- Finish: Spicy oak, roasted nuts
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenlivet 12
Fruity & Warm Aroma:
The Balvenie 12 boasts a highly aromatic nose filled with ripe fruit, honey, sherry, and vanilla. This inviting aroma hints at the delightful flavors to come.
Balanced & Easy-Drinking:
The palate offers a decent texture and a nicely balanced flavor profile. Expect notes of mixed nuts, citrus peel, vanilla, cinnamon, and lingering sherry. The finish is pleasingly long, leaving a gentle oak spice and subtle vanilla that hang on the tongue.
Smoothness for Everyone:
The Balvenie 12 is known for being one of the smoothest Single Malts available. It strikes an outstanding balance between its soft and approachable character, making it a great choice for any whisky drinker. The enjoyable taste and finish offer a perfect balance between sweetness and spice.
Subtle Complexity & Easy Enhancement:
While not the most complex whisky, its smoothness and subtle sweetness make it perfect for savoring neat. However, adding a dash of water can enhance the oak flavor and increase the sweetness, tailoring the experience to your preference.
Award-Winning & Pioneering:
The Balvenie 12 has been recognized for its quality, with a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It’s crafted by Malt Master David Stewart MBE, a pioneer in the use of wine barrel aging, which significantly shaped the Balvenie brand. This whisky is part of the Speyside region, owned by William Grant & Sons, also home to other well-known brands like Glenfiddich and Monkey Shoulder.
Learn more: Balvenie 12 Website
The Macallan 12 Double Cask: Sherry-Kissed Introduction to Scotch
- 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
Sweet & Spicy Notes:
The Macallan 12 Double Cask offers a pleasant sweetness on the nose, with hints of sherry, oak, and dried fruit. The initial taste might be dominated by oak, but it gives way to a blend of sherry, bitter chocolate, and subtle orange zest, finished with a warming touch.
Well-Balanced with a Lingering Finish:
Oak influence continues in the finish, but it’s balanced by the lingering taste of dried fruit and a touch of spice. Overall, the Double Cask is a smooth and enjoyable whisky that showcases the best of both sherry and oak cask maturation.
A Great Entry Point for Sherry Lovers:
Not overly sweet, the Macallan 12 Double Cask is a fantastic introduction to sherry-matured Scotch whiskies. Its rich flavor profile offers hints of chocolate, spice, and warming oak. While the oak can be a bit strong initially, adding a little water can help smooth things out and make it even easier to drink.
Award-Winning & All-Natural:
The Double Cask has been recognized for its quality, earning a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017 and a Gold Medal with a 95-point rating from the International Review of Spirits Tasting in 2017. This whisky is also free of artificial coloring.
Learn more: Macallan 12 Website
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Balvenie 12 DoubleWood | $74 |
| Macallan 12 Double Cask | $80 |