Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:05 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 Macallan 18 Sherry Oak vs Macallan 18 Double Cask in this in-depth comparison and decide which 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 18 Sherry Oak vs Double Cask: Comparison
Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: Showcases a rich, sherry-driven complexity with notes of dates, raisins, and spices. Its deep flavors and lengthy finish make it a luxurious choice for those who appreciate the elegance of sherry-aged whiskies.
Macallan 18 Double Cask: Offers a harmonious balance of sherry sweetness and oak depth. Its smooth, rich palate and moderate finish provide a nuanced and enjoyable sipping experience, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship behind its double cask maturation.
Key Difference: Macallan 18 Sherry Oak ages solely in sherry-seasoned oak from Jerez, Spain, while Double Cask combines American and European sherry-seasoned oak casks.
Verdict: Both expressions represent the pinnacle of Macallan’s mastery in whisky making. While Macallan 18 Sherry Oak leans more towards traditional sherry richness, Macallan 18 Double Cask offers a slightly more balanced and versatile profile. Each stands as a testament to the distillery’s commitment to quality, catering to connoisseurs seeking a memorable whisky experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Macallan Scotch Choice
Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: A Luxurious Sherry Whisky
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Balvenie 21
Aromatic Delight: The Macallan 18 Sherry Oak entices with a captivating aroma of dates, raisins, oak, cinnamon, and a touch of clove.
Smooth & Complex: The palate is luxuriously smooth and full-bodied, showcasing a harmonious blend of prominent oak notes, complemented by cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and raisin undertones.
Long & Lingering Finish: The impressively long finish leaves a gentle warmth and lingering impressions of tobacco, dark chocolate, and dark fruit. Enjoy it neat to appreciate its full character.
Exceptional Quality: Despite its lower ABV, Macallan 18 Sherry Oak delivers remarkable quality and a rich, complex character. While its price point falls on the higher end, it lives up to its reputation and provides an exceptional drinking experience, often considered a benchmark for sherry-aged whiskies.
A Luxurious Choice: Macallan 18 Sherry Oak is a superb choice for discerning palates seeking a luxurious and unforgettable single malt experience.
Related: Macallan 18 Drinking Guide
Macallan 18 Double Cask: A Symphony of Sherry and Oak
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenlivet 18
Rich & Inviting: The Macallan 18 Double Cask opens with a rich nose of dried fruit, roasted nuts, orange, and a touch of ginger.
Smooth & Complex: The palate is luxuriously smooth, showcasing a rich interplay of sherry and honey flavors. Hints of vanilla and oak add depth and complexity.
Warming Finish: The finish is of moderate length, leaving lingering notes of oak and sherry, complemented by a pleasant warmth.
Exceptional Quality: This 18-year-old expression delivers exceptional smoothness and complexity. The well-balanced sherry notes are complemented by oak and vanilla, creating a delightful sipping experience.
Effortless Enjoyment: The creamy body and soft mouthfeel make it a joy to savor neat. Free from harshness or challenging flavors, it offers a straightforward and immensely pleasing dram.
Double Cask Maturation: Crafted using a unique combination of American oak and sherry-seasoned casks, the Double Cask 18 undergoes a meticulous aging process, resulting in its distinct character.
A Splendid Choice: Macallan 18 Double Cask is a superb choice for those seeking a luxurious and well-rounded single malt experience.
What’s the difference between the Macallan 18 Double Cask and the Sherry Oak?
The distinction between these malt whiskies lies in their barrel management.
The Sherry Oak expression undergoes aging exclusively in sherry-seasoned oak casks sourced from Jerez, Spain.
On the other hand, the Double Cask variant utilizes a combination of American and European oak casks, both of which have been seasoned with sherry.
Both represent two of the best releases from The Macallan Distillery.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Macallan 18 Sherry Oak Cask | $400 |
| Macallan 18 Double Cask | $370 |