Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:31 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 Macallan 12 and Macallan 18 in this detailed comparison, and determine which Single Malt suits your 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
Macallan 12 Sherry Oak vs. Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: Comparison
Macallan 12 Sherry Oak: A sherry-rich Scotch with vanilla, dried fruit, and oak on the nose and palate, finishing with oak and sherry notes. Aged in Oloroso sherry casks, it’s smooth, with a natural color, and best enjoyed neat.
Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: Offers a complex profile of dates, raisins, oak, and spices on the nose, with a palate of oak, dark chocolate, and raisin, finishing long with tobacco and chocolate. Matured for 18 years in sherry casks, it’s rich, complex, and best savored neat.
Verdict: Both Macallan 12 Sherry Oak and Macallan 18 Sherry Oak exemplify the distillery’s mastery of sherry cask maturation. Macallan 12 is a smooth, accessible introduction to Macallan’s sherry cask-aged whiskies, offering great value and flavor. Macallan 18, while at a premium price, delivers unmatched complexity and depth, making it a luxurious choice for the discerning whisky enthusiast.
The choice between them hinges on personal budget and preference for maturity and depth of flavor, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Macallan Whiskies
Macallan 12 Sherry Oak: Sherry-Rich Scotch
- 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: Macallan 12 Double Cask
Aroma: Rich vanilla notes mingle with hints of dried fruit and subtle oak for an inviting first impression.
Palate: A delightful creaminess unfolds on the tongue, carrying forward a warmth and sweetness. Flavors of vanilla, dried fruit, prune, and gentle oak create a balanced and enjoyable experience.
Finish: The whisky concludes with a lengthy finish, where prominent sherry notes linger alongside a subtle warmth, leaving a lasting impression of the single malt’s quality.
Beyond the Basics:
- Smooth and Easy Sipping: The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak offers a delightful and smooth experience, making it enjoyable for both novice and experienced whisky drinkers.
- Sherry Influence vs. Double Cask: This expression stands out from the Macallan Double Cask 12 due to its prominent sherry notes, offering a sweeter profile in contrast to the Double Cask’s stronger oak influence.
Delving Deeper into the Macallan 12 Sherry Oak:
- Meticulously Aged: This single malt matures for 12 years in hand-picked Oloroso Sherry-seasoned oak casks, allowing the sherry flavors to gracefully infuse the whisky.
- Oloroso Sherry Influence: Oloroso, a smooth and characterful Spanish wine, contributes significantly to the flavor profile of this Macallan expression.
- Natural Color: The Macallan is known for its commitment to using natural processes, avoiding the use of colorants in their whisky, unlike some industry practices.
Exploring the Rich Flavors of Macallan 18 Sherry Oak
- Nose: Dates, raisins, oak, cinnamon, clove
- Palate: Oak, baking spice, dark chocolate, raisin
- Finish: Long, tobacco, chocolate, dried fruit
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Balvenie 17 DoubleWood
Aroma: Upon nosing, the Macallan 18 reveals an enticing bouquet of dates, dried fruits like raisins, and hints of oak, cinnamon, and clove.
Palate: The first sip delivers a creamy and full-bodied experience, followed by a smooth flavor profile where oak takes center stage, complemented by cinnamon and nutmeg. Notes of dark chocolate and raisins further enrich the taste.
Finish: The whisky boasts a long and satisfying finish, leaving a subtle warming sensation as it lingers. Tobacco, dark chocolate, and dark fruit notes continue to grace the palate after swallowing. Adding water is unnecessary, as this whisky is enjoyable neat.
Beyond the Basics:
- Rich Flavors and Complexity: Macallan 18 Sherry Oak impresses with its richness, complexity, and depth, even at its relatively moderate alcohol content.
- Price Consideration: While offering an exceptional experience, this single malt comes at a premium price.
- Justified Reputation: Despite the cost, the Macallan 18 lives up to its reputation, delivering a truly remarkable whisky experience.
Delving Deeper:
- 18 Years of Sherry Cask Maturation: This Macallan expression undergoes an 18-year maturation process in specially selected sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain. The influence of these casks is evident in the prominent sherry notes.
- A Legacy of Excellence: Established in 1824, the Macallan distillery holds a rich heritage in the heart of Craigellachie, Speyside, Scotland.
- Part of the Edrington Group: This brand is owned by the Edrington Group, which also encompasses other notable names in the industry like Highland Park, Glenrothes, and The Famous Grouse.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Macallan 12 Sherry Oak | $87 |
| Macallan 18 Sherry Oak | $400 |