Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:50 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.
Uncover the differences between Glenfiddich 12 Sherry Cask and Macallan 12 Sherry Cask in this head-to-head comparison, and decide which Single Malt best suits your taste preferences!
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
Glenfiddich 12 Sherry Cask vs Macallan 12 Sherry Oak: Comparison
Glenfiddich 12 Sherry Cask Finish: Features sherry, oak, and vanilla with a palate of malt, apple, and caramel. Finishes with malt and citrus notes.
Macallan 12 Sherry Oak: Delivers vanilla and dried fruit on the nose, with a palate of vanilla, fruit, and oak. The finish is rich with sherry and oak.
Verdict: Both Glenfiddich 12 Sherry Cask Finish and Macallan 12 Sherry Oak offer a journey through sherry-infused Speyside excellence. Glenfiddich brings a unique apple crumb twist, while Macallan shines with its luxurious depth and richness. Each represents a distinguished choice for sherry cask whisky lovers, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Sherry-Cask Single Malts
Glenfiddich 12 Sherry Cask Finish: A Smooth Sherry-Kissed Speyside Single Malt
- Nose: Shery, oak, vanilla, baking spice
- Palate: Malt, apple, caramel, honey, hazelnut
- Finish: Malt, apple, orange peel
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 12
The Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish offers a delightful introduction to the world of sherry-aged Scotch whiskies, building upon the classic Glenfiddich 12.
Aromatic Allure: The initial aroma entices with a rich sherry influence, complemented by subtle hints of oak, vanilla, and baking spice. This creates a warm and inviting introduction.
Balanced Flavors: The first sip unfolds with a fascinating harmony between malty notes and a touch of sweetness. Tasting notes of apple crumb cake, caramel, honey, hazelnuts, and orange peel create a complex and engaging flavor profile.
Lingering Delight: The finish is surprisingly long, leaving a pleasant bittersweet aftertaste. Lingering notes of malt, apple, nuts, and orange linger on the palate, creating a satisfying conclusion.
Accessible & Smooth: The Glenfiddich Sherry Cask Finish strikes a delightful balance. The sweetness avoids being cloying, and a gentle warmth enhances the overall smoothness of the whisky.
A Step Up: This expression offers a clear step up in complexity compared to the standard Glenfiddich 12.
Value for Money: While not the most expensive option, this whisky delivers good value for its price point, making it an attractive addition to your collection.
A Rewarding Journey: This Glenfiddich delivers a satisfying experience from the initial aroma to the lingering finish. Its enjoyable tasting notes make it a commendable choice for those seeking an approachable and affordable sherry-finished whisky.
Unique Maturation: This whisky starts with a 12-year-old single malt matured in American and European oak casks. For its finishing touch, it undergoes an additional period in casks that previously held Amontillado sherry, a rare type of sherry that adds its unique character to the whisky.
Please note: Glenfiddich 12 Sherry Cask Finish uses artificial coloring, a detail some consumers prefer to know.
Macallan 12 Sherry Oak: A Luxurious Speyside Single Malt for Sherry Lovers
- Nose: Vanilla, dried fruit, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, dried fruit, oak, prune
- Finish: Oak, sherry
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Dalmore 12
The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky renowned for its exceptional quality and rich sherry influence.
Aromatic Enticement: The initial aroma offers a delightful presence of vanilla, complemented by subtle hints of dried fruit and oak. This creates a luxurious and inviting introduction.
Creamy Delight: The first sip introduces a satisfyingly creamy texture that coats the palate. The initial taste delivers a sweet and warming sensation, characteristic of a sherry-aged whisky.
Rich & Complex: The flavor profile unfolds with a delightful blend of vanilla, dried fruit, and prune, balanced by a gentle touch of oak and a hint of spicy ginger and nutmeg. This creates a rich and complex taste experience.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving behind lingering notes of sherry and a subtle warming sensation, all reminders of the exceptional whisky you’re enjoying.
A Sherry Masterpiece: The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak is undoubtedly a superb whisky. Its rich and complex flavor profile, coupled with remarkable smoothness, makes it a true masterpiece for sherry whisky enthusiasts.
Top-Tier Choice: This expression might not be the most affordable, but for those seeking a premium sherry-aged experience, the Macallan delivers an exceptional whisky.
Sherry Cask Maturation: The secret to this whisky’s character lies in its maturation process. The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak spends twelve years aging in hand-picked oak casks that were previously seasoned with Oloroso sherry. Oloroso sherry, known for its sweetness and smoothness, contributes significantly to the whisky’s rich and luxurious flavor profile.
Macallan Legacy: The Macallan Distillery, established in 1824, crafts this whisky with dedication to quality. Notably, Macallan is part of the Edrington Group, which also owns Highland Park, Glenrothes, and The Famous Grouse.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenfiddich 12 Sherry Cask | $52 |
| Macallan 12 Sherry Oak | $88 |