Cragganmore 12 vs Macallan 12: Whisky Comparison

Last Updated on: 13th April 2024, 12:23 am

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 differences between Cragganmore 12 and Macallan 12 Double Cask in this direct comparison and determine which Single Malt suits your taste preferences best!

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

Cragganmore 12 vs Macallan 12 Double Cask: Comparison

Cragganmore 12: A smooth ride through Speyside with citrus, caramel, and a whisper of smoke. Perfect for those who love a gentle oak finish and a bit of water to unlock its full bouquet. Enjoy the harmony of flavors in every sip.

The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask: Sherry and oak lead the way, followed by chocolate and dried fruit. A splash of water tames the oak, making it a rich, approachable choice for sherry cask beginners.

Verdict: Cragganmore 12 and The Macallan 12 Double Cask both shine with their unique qualities. Cragganmore’s smooth, floral sweetness and The Macallan’s rich, sherry-kissed complexity offer something special for every whisky lover, states Scotch expert Neil Coleman.

Cragganmore 12: A Smooth Speyside Journey

Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Dalwhinnie 15

Cragganmore delivers a warm and inviting aroma, filled with fruity notes of orange, lemon, and a hint of peat smoke.

The first sip is full-bodied and smooth, revealing caramel sweetness and a bready malt character. The taste is well-rounded with a delicate balance of spice, sweetness, and a touch of biscuit.

The finish is gentle and smooth with a touch of oak that provides a pleasant warmth.

A Speyside Classic:

Cragganmore stands out with its floral and sweet profile, complemented by a subtle smokiness. This easy-drinking whisky is perfect for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, especially those who appreciate smoothness.

Unlocking the Flavors:

For an even richer experience, add a dash of water. This opens up the whisky, enhancing the sweetness and fruity notes, while slightly reducing the spice.

Cragganmore 12 by the Numbers:

Aged 12 years in used bourbon casks.
Scored 94 points by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Awarded numerous medals, including double gold, gold, and silver, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition between 2005 and 2012.
Located in Ballindalloch, Scotland, Cragganmore is a Speyside single malt.
Founded in 1869, the distillery contributes to popular blends like Old Parr, White Horse, and Johnnie Walker.

The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask: A Sherry-Kissed Introduction

Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Black Label

Sweet and rich on the nose, the Macallan Double Cask offers aromas of dried fruit, sherry, and a touch of oak. The first sip brings a bold oak flavor balanced by hints of dark chocolate, sherry, and citrus.

This whisky delivers a pleasant warmth and a long, lingering finish where oak takes the lead, joined by the richness of dried fruit and a hint of spice.

A Great Intro to Sherry Cask Scotch:

For those new to sherry-aged Scotches, the Double Cask offers a well-rounded and approachable experience. It presents a balanced sweetness with subtle hints of chocolate and spice, but the oak presence can be prominent.

Tips for Enjoyment:

If you find the oak a bit strong, adding a splash of water can soften it and reduce the warmth. Due to its price and quality, it’s best to savor this neat rather than using it in cocktails.

Double Cask by the Numbers:

Aged 12 years in sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks.
Awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017.
Gold Medal and 95 points from the International Review of Spirits Tasting 2017.
The Macallan Distillery, founded in 1824, is located in Craigellachie, Scotland.