Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:44 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.
Discover the differences between Macallan 12 Double Cask vs Redbreast 12 in this head-to-head 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 12 vs Redbreast 12: Comparison
The Macallan 12 Double Cask: A rich journey of dried fruits and oaky depths, kissed by sherry. Offers a full-bodied palate with chocolate and citrus notes. The finish is long, highlighting oak and spice. Perfect for those appreciating sherry influence and oak character.
Redbreast 12: Smooth, complex, with a symphony of vanilla, caramel, and citrus. The palate is rich and creamy, showcasing ripe fruits and subtle sherry. The finish is warm and long, with a blend of spice and dried fruit. Ideal for lovers of rich, smooth Irish whiskey.
Verdict: Both The Macallan 12 Double Cask and Redbreast 12 offer distinct and rich experiences. Macallan appeals to those who enjoy the depth of sherry and oak, while Redbreast shines with its creamy smoothness and balanced complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: The Best of 12-Year Scotch
The Macallan 12 Double Cask: A Sherry-Kissed Journey with Oaky Depths
- Similar to: Grangestone 12
Aromatic Allure
The Macallan 12 Double Cask opens with a captivating aroma. A delightful sweetness mingles with dried fruits and subtle hints of oak, creating a warm and inviting first impression. The touch of sherry adds intriguing complexity, hinting at the flavors to come.
Powerhouse on the Palate
The taste is a robust and full-bodied experience. The oak influence takes center stage, followed by notes of bitter chocolate and dried fruit. Hints of sherry and citrus peek through, offering a touch of brightness that helps balance the oak’s dominance. A pleasant warmth adds a comforting dimension to the sip.
A Lingering Impression
The finish is a continuation of the flavor journey, showcasing oak, dried fruit, and a touch of spice that lingers pleasantly on the palate. It’s a complex and enduring departure that leaves you wanting more.
A Scotch with Character
Here’s why the Macallan 12 Double Cask might be your perfect dram:
- Rich Flavors, Intriguing Character: This whisky offers a unique combination of rich flavors, with the subtle chocolate note adding a fascinating twist.
- Sherry Influence: A great introduction to the world of sherry cask matured Scotch. It offers a taste of what bolder expressions like the Macallan Sherry Oak 12 have in store.
However, keep these things in mind:
- Oak for Days: The oak presence is significant and might be too prominent for some palates that prefer a less woody dram.
- Price to Consider: Given its price point, it might not be the most cost-effective choice for mixing in cocktails.
The Final Verdict
The Macallan 12 Double Cask is a complex and flavorful Scotch whisky that caters to those who enjoy a prominent oak presence and appreciate the influence of sherry cask maturation. It’s a worthy introduction to sherried Scotch, but the oak character might be a deciding factor for some.
Macallan 12 Double Cask Facts
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of American and European oak casks that were previously seasoned with sherry wine from Spain.
- Earned accolades like a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017 and a Gold Medal & 95 points rating from the International Review of Spirits Tasting in 2017.
Redbreast 12: Smoothness and Complexity
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 12
Aromatic Allure
Redbreast 12 opens with a captivating aroma. It’s a rich tapestry of vanilla, caramel, and ginger, creating a warm and inviting first impression. A refreshing hint of orange peel adds a touch of brightness and complexity.
A Luxurious Experience on the Palate
The first sip of Redbreast 12 is a delight. The whiskey boasts a rich and creamy mouthfeel, coating the palate with a delightful chewiness. A symphony of flavors unfolds, with ripe fruit and citrus notes dancing alongside delicate sherry wine nuances. Underlying it all is the subtle spice of oak, adding depth and character.
A Long and Memorable Farewell
The finish is a long and satisfying warmth, leaving behind lingering notes of baking spice and dried fruit for a truly memorable finale. It’s a departure that lingers pleasantly, inviting you to come back for more.
Beyond the Neat Pour
Redbreast 12 is more than just a delicious sip. Here’s what makes it special:
- Elevating Irish Whiskey: This expression is a shining example of how Irish whiskey can go beyond its perceived simplicity. It offers depth and complexity that rivals many renowned Scotch whiskies.
- Perfect Harmony: The seamless interplay of sweet and spicy notes, along with the rich body, creates a truly satisfying experience that can be enjoyed neat, without needing any additional elements.
In Conclusion
Redbreast 12 is a testament to the exceptional quality and character that Irish whiskey can offer. It’s a journey for the senses, perfect for savoring neat, and sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Redbreast 12 Facts
- Crafted from a unique combination of malted and unmalted barley.
- Triple-distilled in traditional copper pot stills for a smooth and flavorful profile.
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks, contributing to its rich and complex flavor profile.
- Earned critical acclaim, including 96 points from Whisky Advocate and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition on four separate occasions.
- Awarded “Irish Whiskey of the Year” at the Irish Whiskey Awards in 2013.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Macallan 12 Double Cask | $76 |
| Redbreast 12 | $70 |
Differences between Redbreast 12 and Macallan 12
Macallan is a single malt whisky, exclusively crafted from malted barley and double-distilled in pot stills.
It undergoes 12 years of aging in American and European oak casks seasoned with sherry wine from Spain.
Redbreast, on the other hand, is a whiskey made from both malted and unmalted barley, triple-distilled in pot stills, and aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
It is produced at the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork, Ireland, along with Jameson Whiskey and others.
Notably, Macallan hails from the prestigious Speyside region in Scotland, renowned for its smooth and creamy single malt Scotch whiskies, often bearing a high price tag. In contrast, Redbreast is an Irish whiskey, adopting the spelling “whiskey,” just like its American counterparts.