How to Drink Macallan 12

Last Updated on: 13th April 2024, 01:34 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Macallan 12: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this top Scotch.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Best Served Neat: Appreciate its full character without dilution, suggests whisky expert Neil Coleman.
• Water Addition: Add water drop by drop to enhance flavors, but avoid over-dilution.
• Avoid Ice: Use whisky stones to chill without affecting the taste.
• Recommended Glass: Glencairn glass enhances aroma and flavor; whiskey tumbler is also suitable.
• Tasting Notes: Sherry Oak has vanilla, dried fruit, and spice; Double Cask features oak, sherry, and chocolate.
• Cocktails: Not recommended due to cost and flavor complexity.
• Food Pairings: Ideal with beef carpaccio, blue cheese, and roasted duck.
• Storage: Store upright in a cool, dark place; consume quickly once a quarter full to avoid oxidation.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Macallan 12

“Neat is the best way to drink Macallan, whether you’re exploring the Sherry Oak 12 or the Double Cask 12 variants; drinking whisky neat reveals its genuine character.”, states whisky expert Neil Coleman.

After familiarizing yourself with its unique notes, try enhancing its depth by introducing water gradually.

Every drop can reveal more layers, from the essence of dried fruits to subtle sherry overtones.

Always serve it at room temperature, and be cautious when adding water to preserve its delicate flavor profile.

Ultimately, the goal is to discover the ideal equilibrium tailored to your palate.

Drinking with ice or not?

While adding ice to whisky is quite common, it’s not the best method to drink a Macallan.

Chilling can overshadow the delicate notes, especially those of dried fruits and subtle spices.

If you’re sampling Macallan 12 for the initial time and have a preference for cooler drinks, a few large ice cubes might be to your liking.

However, remember, the cooler the whisky, the subtler its essence becomes.

Whisky Stones

Whisky stones are a thoughtful choice for Macallan 12 enthusiasts.

They chill your dram without diluting its distinct flavors, adding a touch of sophistication to your drinking experience.

Glassware preference

A Glencairn glass remains my top recommendation for Macallan 12 Scotch Whisky.

The design magnifies the aromas, making each sip a sensory journey.

But if acquiring a Glencairn isn’t on the agenda, a classic whiskey tumbler or rocks glass serve well for a delightful tasting session.

Double Cask Tasting Notes:

The Macallan Double Cask Single Malt has a sweet smell with touches of sherry, dried fruit, and wood.

The flavor hits with bold oak flavor upfront, but there’s also a mix of sherry, dark chocolate, and a light hint of orange that makes it taste really good, ending with a warm feeling.

The aftertaste is long, with a strong wood flavor, but also with hints of dried fruit and a little spicy kick.

All in all, the Macallan 12 gives a steady and well-rounded taste, highlighting the special flavors from the sherry and wood barrels it’s aged in.

Sherry Oak Tasting Notes

The Sherry Oak greets you with a prominent vanilla aroma, seamlessly blended with undertones of dried fruit and oak.

Its smooth and velvety texture on the palate is a treat, delivering a gentle warmth and sweetness upon the initial sip.

Flavors harmoniously combine vanilla, dried fruit, a touch of prune, mild oak, and subtle hints of spicy ginger and nutmeg.

Its extended finish is rewarding, carrying persistent sherry flavors and a mild warmth, a gentle nod to its Scotch heritage.

Drinking Macallan in Cocktails

Using Macallan for cocktail drinks seems like a waste of money.

Generally, high-priced whiskies aren’t ideal for mixing because their delicate nuances can easily be overshadowed.

I tend to lean towards more affordable options for this purpose.

Consider trying the Naked Malt, which is much easier on the wallet.

Interestingly, this budget-friendly Scotch is crafted from malts sourced from Macallan and Highland Park, both under the same parent company.

This blend of single malts is versatile, pairing well in cocktails and smooth enough to be enjoyed with just water.

Macallan Cocktails

If you decide to move forward and make cocktails with your Macallan here are two cocktails to consider:

Classic Rob Roy:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Cherry for garnish

Combine ingredients with ice and stir. Strain into a glass and garnish with a cherry.

Macallan Highball:

• 2 oz Scotch
• Sparkling water
• Lemon or orange twist for garnish

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the Scotch and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a twist.

Food Pairings

Macallan 12, known for its rich flavors and smoothness, pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are five distinct food pairings for Macallan 12, different from those suggested for Glenfiddich 12:

1. Beef Carpaccio: The rich, savory flavors of thinly sliced raw beef, complemented with olive oil and perhaps a sprinkle of Parmesan, can enhance the depth and complexity of the whisky.
2. Blue Cheese: The bold, pungent flavors of blue cheese can create a beautiful contrast with the smooth, sweet notes of the whisky, especially if the cheese has a creamy texture.
3. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: The earthy, meaty quality of grilled portobello mushrooms can bring out the woody and nutty notes in the whisky.
4. Pecan Pie: The sweet, nutty flavors of a pecan pie, especially with its caramelized top, can resonate well with the rich, sweet character of this whisky.
5. Roasted Duck with a Cherry Sauce: The rich, gamey flavor of the duck, paired with a sweet and tart cherry sauce, can complement the whisky’s fruity and oaky notes, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.

Storing Guidelines

Typically, after opening a bottle of Scotch like Macallan, it’s a good practice to pour a glass and then let the bottle sit on your whisky shelf for about a month.

This period allows the whisky to breathe a bit and can subtly influence its character.

However, once you’ve consumed the majority of the bottle and the level drops to about 25%, it’s advisable to drink it promptly.

Leaving it at this low level for extended periods can lead to the development of off-flavors due to increased oxidation.

Ensure the bottle is stored upright in a cool, shadowed place, keeping the liquid from touching the stopper.