Macallan 12 Year Old (Double Cask)

Macallan is renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, quality and the luxury market, has created a whisky delivering a tasting experience that reflects the brand’s commitment to its values. While Macallan whiskies are often hailed as icons in the Scottish whisky industry, I find myself grappling with a sense of conflict. For me whisky is raw, sturdy and accessible, qualities that seem somewhat absent in this particular dram.

Bottle

The Macallan 12’s bottle prompts an immediate sense of unease as I contemplate the broader experience of enjoying a dram of whisky. As I’ve mentioned before, enjoying a dram of whisky is about so much more than just the taste. Does the bottle promise a sip of what you want? The tall, slim, and elegant design of Macallan bottles feels more suited to housing cognac or brandy, a departure from my expectation of the rugged Scottish landscape often associated with a good dram.

Colour

The whisky boasts a beautiful color, nestled within the golden hues characteristic of a sherry cask-matured spirit. It exudes an inviting, warm, and familiar aura, without drawing attention by standing out.

Nose - Delving into the aroma reveals a pleasant and nuanced bouquet. The vanilla, toffee, and dried fruit notes are certainly present, with a hint orange peel at the end.

Palate - The mouthfeel is velvety, coating the palate with a smooth combination of sweet and spicy notes. The vanilla and caramel undertones, a gift from the American oak, intertwine seamlessly with the rich, dried fruit flavors imparted by the European oak. There is an extremely pleasant and distinct orange zest flavour that cuts through too. The result is a well-rounded and satisfying experience that unfolds with each sip.

Finish - A medium finish, the whisky leaves a gentle trail of oak, honey, and a hint of the orange remain.

Overall

This whisky is typically priced at around £70 in the UK; whilst delicious, it leaves me contemplating whether the cost is dictated more by Macallan’s positioning in the market than by the liquid itself. It’s clearly not a ‘bad’ dram, although such categorisations are subjective, yet, its enjoyment doesn’t significantly surpass that of numerous whiskies available at half the price. With £70 to spend on a 12-year-old whisky, I’d opt for two bottles of Aberlour 12 and pocket the change.