Macallan Double Cask 18 Review

Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 08:57 pm

Discover everything about the Macallan 18 Double Cask in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

The Macallan Double Cask 18: A Smooth Sherry-Kissed Delight (But Consider These Options Too)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Macallan Double Cask 18 year old single malt Scotch offers a compelling combination of complexity and smoothness, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a luxurious sipping experience.

Strengths:

• Creamy & Smooth: This expression boasts a delightful creaminess and smooth mouthfeel, ensuring a pleasant drinking experience.
• Balanced Sherry Influence: The sherry cask maturation adds a delightful layer of flavor, well-integrated with oak and vanilla notes, creating a harmonious profile.
• Enjoyable Neat: The Macallan Double Cask 18 shines when sipped neat, revealing no harshness or off-putting flavors.

Considerations:

• Shadowed by its Older Sibling: While excellent, the Macallan 18 Sherry Oak is often regarded as superior by experts, offering an even more complex and refined sherry cask experience. The price difference is minimal.
• More Affordable Option Available: The Macallan Double Cask 15 presents a fantastic alternative at a more attractive price point. While not identical, it delivers a similarly enjoyable sherry-influenced dram.

Verdict:

The Macallan Double Cask 18 is a fantastic whisky for those seeking a smooth and luxurious experience with sherry cask influence. However, it’s important to be aware of the exceptional reputation of the Macallan 18 Sherry Oak, and the more budget-friendly Macallan Double Cask 15.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and preference for a slightly richer sherry character (Macallan 18) or a more affordable option (Macallan Double Cask 15). All three expressions are well-regarded within the Macallan range, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

• Related: Top Macallan Selections
• Learn more: Macallan Double Cask 18 Website

What’s unique about the Macallan Double Cask 18?

The Double Cask undergoes maturation in both sherry-seasoned American oak and European oak casks.

Following a period of 18 years in these respective casks, the whiskies are blended and then bottled at 86 proof 43% ABV.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Dried fruit, nuts, orange, ginger
• Palate: Sherry, honey, vanilla, oak
• Finish: Medium, oak, sherry
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Similar to: Glenlivet 18

The nose of the Double Cask 18 is characterized by notes of dried fruit, roasted nuts, oranges, and subtle hints of ginger.

On the palate, it offers a delightfully smooth texture, accompanied by a luscious combination of sherry and honey flavors, followed by notes of vanilla and oak.

The finish is of moderate length, leaving a satisfying warming sensation and lingering impressions of oak and sherry.

FAQ

A quick FAQ to address your doubts:

Is it smoky?

All Macallan releases, like the majority of whiskies from the Speyside region, are characterized by their absence of smoky and peaty flavors, as well as any unpleasant tasting notes.

Is it chill-filtered?

• Yes, Macallan chill-filters all of its whiskies.
• Chill-filtering prevents the whisky from becoming hazy on the bottle.

Does it use caramel coloring?

• No, Macallan refrains from using artificial caramel coloring in its whiskies.

Age

• Aged for 18 years in both American and European sherry-seasoned oak casks.

How to drink it?

• Neat: This malt is supremely smooth and can be enjoyed without water or ice.

Also read: Macallan 18 Drinking Guide

Alternatives

• Macallan 18 Sherry Oak is a recommended alternative, providing a deeper and more complex experience with baking spice and chocolate notes.
• Another option is Glenlivet 18, which is less complex but substantially cheaper and still offers a good sip.

Price

• United States: $370 USD
• Canada: $550 CAD
• Britain: £320 GBP
• Australia: $600 AUD

Alcohol content

• 86 proof (43% ABV): The ABV may be lower than some prefer, but it is suitable for Macallan fans who prioritize smoothness.

Does it expire?

• No, alcoholic beverages do not expire.
• Proper storage in a cool place away from sunlight ensures its longevity.
• It is recommended to consume it once the content is down to 25% to avoid awkward notes.

How is it made?

• After the barley harvest, the barley is malted and mashed in one of the two mash tuns.
• It is fermented with specially cultured yeast and distilled twice in copper-pot stills.
• The heads and tails of the whisky are removed, and approximately 16% of the spirit is collected for cask filling.
• The whisky is aged for 18 years in both American and European sherry-seasoned oak casks, resulting in a full-bodied and rich whisky with Macallan’s signature smoothness.

How did I review Macallan Double Cask 18?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.

Macallan 18 Double Cask: Specs

Type of Whisky	Single Malt
Age statement	18Y
Proof	86
ABV	43%
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	Yes
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Moderately
Warm?	No
Peaty?	No
Good for beginners?	No
Good for cocktails?	No
Good with Coke?	No
Calories per shot	108
Gluten-free	Yes
Keto-friendly	Yes
Kosher	No