Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:32 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.
Discover the differences between Glenrothes 12 vs Macallan 12 in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Single Malt is better 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
Glenrothes 12 vs Macallan 12: Which to Buy?
Glenrothes 12: Offers a smooth, accessible experience, accentuated by sweet sherry and vanilla flavors. The presence of a sulfur note and a shorter finish might not appeal to all, but it remains a solid choice for those exploring the Speyside region’s offerings without breaking the bank.
The Macallan 12 Double Cask: Delivers a richer, more complex profile with its balance of sweet sherry, spicy oak, and dried fruit. Its longer finish and higher proof provide a fuller experience, making it a preferred option for those seeking depth and a pronounced sherry influence in their whisky.
Verdict: Glenrothes 12 caters to those desiring a gentle introduction to Speyside whiskies, while The Macallan 12 Double Cask appeals to aficionados looking for a robust, sherry-forward dram. Each represents its style with distinction, offering diverse experiences to whisky lovers, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Whiskies Free of Smoke
Glenrothes 12: Smooth & Sweet, But With a Caveat
- Nose: Sherry, apple, vanilla, sulfur
- Palate: Hazelnut, chocolate, honey, melon
- Finish: Short, oak spice, melon
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenlivet 12
The Glenrothes 12-year-old Single Malt offers a sweet and smooth drinking experience at a reasonable price. It boasts an enticing aroma of sherry, baked apple, and vanilla, hinting at a delightful taste journey.
However, there’s a catch. Some drinkers pick up on a subtle, sulfur-like aroma which might be off-putting. Additionally, the finish, while featuring a pleasant melon taste, is unfortunately short-lived and marred by a touch of bitter oak spice. Even adding water, while enhancing the caramel sweetness, doesn’t completely mask the bitterness.
Overall, the Glenrothes 12 is a decent option for those seeking a smooth and affordable Speyside Single Malt. Its sweetness is undeniable. But keep in mind the potential for the sulfuric aroma and the slightly bitter finish to affect your enjoyment.
Here are some additional facts about the Glenrothes 12:
- Aged for 12 years in sherry-seasoned oak casks.
- Awarded “95 points & Great Value” at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
- Received “5 Stars & Highest Recommendation” by the F. Paul Pacult’s 2018 Spirit Journal.
The Macallan 12 Double Cask: A Sweet & Spicy Sherry-Kissed 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: Glenfiddich 12
Looking for a Scotch with a touch of sweetness and spice? The Macallan 12 Double Cask might be just right. This single malt whisky offers a pleasant combination of sherry, dried fruit, and oak flavors.
On the nose, expect a delightful sweetness with hints of sherry, raisins, and a touch of oak. The taste is led by oak with notes of sherry, dark chocolate, and orange peel peeking through for added complexity. The finish is long-lasting and oaky, with lingering dried fruit and a touch of spice.
While the oak presence is strong, it balances well with the sweetness making it a good option for those who enjoy bolder flavors. It’s also a great introduction to the world of sherry-matured Scotch thanks to its approachable sweetness.
Tip: Adding a drop or two of water can help tone down the oak and bring out other flavors like the sherry and fruit notes.
Bonus fact: The Macallan 12 Double Cask spends its 12-year slumber in specially chosen casks that once held Oloroso sherry, a rich and flavorful type of Spanish wine. This unique aging process contributes to the whisky’s signature taste profile.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenrothes 12 | $50 |
| Macallan 12 | $56 |