Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:30 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 Highland Park 12 vs Macallan 12 Double Cask in this in-depth comparison and decide which whisky 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
Macallan vs Highland Park: Comparison
Highland Park 12: A balanced peat entry with floral, smoke, and honey on the nose; cereal and green tea on the palate. Long finish with oak and pepper.
Macallan Double Cask 12: Sherry and dried fruit on the nose; baking spice and chocolate on the palate. Finish with oak and dried fruit.
Verdict: Highland Park 12 offers an accessible journey into peated whiskies with its subtle smoke and balanced sweetness, ideal for those exploring the smoky spectrum. Macallan Double Cask 12 provides a rich, sherry-influenced experience with a strong oak presence, suited for enthusiasts of sherried whiskies, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 12-Year Single Malt Whisky Recommendations
Exploring Highland Park 12: Balanced Peat with Subtle Depths
- Nose: Floral, smoke, orange, honey
- Palate: Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke
- Finish: Long, oak, pepper
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 12
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨
Highland Park 12, a whisky hailing from the windswept Orkney Islands, presents a unique entry point to the world of peated malt. Does it stand out with its balance, or does it fall short on complexity? Let’s delve into its nuances, acknowledging both its strengths and potential limitations.
Aromatic Intrigue:
The nose opens with a refreshing medley. Delicate floral notes mingle with hints of citrus and honey, offering a gentle sweetness. A subtle smokiness lingers in the background, adding intrigue to the overall experience.
Smooth & Peaty:
On the palate, the initial impression might be described as “thin” by some. However, a smooth and sweet character unfolds, carrying notes of iodine, honey, and that ever-present gentle smoke. It’s not an overpowering peat bomb, but rather a balanced expression that eases you into the smoky world.
Short & Sweet:
The finish is moderately sweet, peppered with a short touch of oak and smoke. Adding a few drops of water brings out some enticing meaty notes and enhances the sweetness, potentially creating a more layered experience.
The Verdict: Balanced Introduction:
Overall, Highland Park 12 delivers a balanced and approachable dram. It steers clear of the heavy peat associated with Islay malts while offering a glimpse into the smoky side of whisky without overwhelming sweetness common in Speyside expressions. For those curious about peat, this can be a good starting point. However, some seasoned whisky enthusiasts might find it lacking in complexity and depth.
Beyond the Orkney Shores:
Remember, the world of peated whisky is vast, offering a spectrum of smoky intensities and flavor profiles. While Highland Park 12 presents a balanced introduction, venturing further into Islay malts or exploring peated expressions from other regions might unlock even more exciting smoky discoveries.
The Final Sip:
For those curious about peat or seeking a well-balanced and approachable dram, Highland Park 12 might be your perfect match. But remember, personal preference reigns supreme. So, explore the vast world of whisky, experiment with different peated expressions, and find your ideal smoky dram!
Unwrapping the Macallan Double Cask 12: Sherry Spice with Oaky Undertones
- 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: Macallan Double Cask 15
- Smoke Level. Zero
Macallan’s Double Cask 12, a whisky adorned with accolades, beckons with promises of sherry sweetness and balanced complexity. But does it deliver? Let’s delve into its depths, appreciating its strengths while acknowledging potential drawbacks for a complete picture.
Aromatic Allure:
The nose greets you with a warm embrace of sherry, its sweetness mingling with the warmth of oak and hints of dried fruit. This harmonious blend creates a captivating prelude to the sip.
Sweet & Oaked:
On the palate, the initial sweetness gives way to a prominent oak presence. Bitter chocolate joins the dance, adding depth, while hints of sherry and citrus peek through. The warmth is pleasant, warming you without overwhelming the senses.
Lingering Delight:
The finish stretches out, echoing the oak and dried fruit, with a sprinkle of spice for good measure. This lingering warmth leaves a satisfying feeling.
The Verdict: Balanced with Oaken Nuance:
Undeniably, the Double Cask 12 boasts a flavorful and balanced profile. The subtle chocolate note adds interest, and the sherry influence shines through without being overly sweet. However, oak plays a strong role, which might be too prominent for some palates.
A Sherry Gateway:
If you’re curious about sherry-aged whiskies, the Double Cask 12 serves as a welcoming introduction. Its sweetness is balanced, offering a glimpse into this unique style. But remember, taste is subjective. While some might find the oak delightful, others might prefer a less oak-forward experience.
Taming the Oak:
For those seeking a smoother profile, a touch of water might be your friend. It can tame the oak and reduce the warmth, creating a more gentle experience.
Beyond the Double Cask:
Remember, the world of whisky is vast, and with that, the variations in sherry-aged expressions are plentiful. While the Double Cask 12 holds its own with awards and a distinctive profile, exploring other sherried drams might unlock even more exciting discoveries.
The Final Sip:
Macallan’s Double Cask 12 is a flavorful and awarded whisky that merits exploration. Whether it’s your perfect sherry introduction or you crave less oak, remember, personal preference reigns supreme. So, dive into the world of whisky, experiment, and find your ideal dram!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Highland Park 12 | $54 |
| Macallan 12 Double Cask | $66 |
What do they have in common?
- These whiskies are classified as single malt, which means they are made exclusively from malted barley, distilled in pot stills at a single distillery, and aged for at least 3 years in oak casks not exceeding 700 liters in capacity, following the UK’s Scotch Whisky Regulations.
- Both the Macallan and Highland Park are aged for 12 years using a combination of American and European ex-sherry casks, indicating that these casks previously held Spanish Sherry wine.
- While both companies belong to the Edrington Group, which also owns Glenrothes Whisky and Famous Grouse, they are managed independently.
- Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in Scotland since 1980, showcasing the Edrington Group’s success in different whisky segments.
How do they differ?
- Highland Park whiskies stand out with their distinctive smoky flavors, attributed to the peat sourced from Hobbister Moor, which is used to dry the malted barley. This peat, rich in heather, sets Highland Park apart, lending its whiskies a unique flavor profile.