The Macallan surprised us with its latest expression: Macallan 12 Years Double Cask brings the age statement back to the entry-level range. Surprising because in 2013 The Macallan was at the forefront of the NAS movement with its 1824 ‘colour’ series.
Originally a US exclusive, Macallan Double Cask is now available in Europe as well. Like the 12 Year Old Sherry Oak, it is a vatting of American and European Oak sherry seasoned casks, albeit with a higher proportion of American oak (supposedly around 50:50). It’s bottled at 40% – apparently they went for 43% in the US.
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Macallan 12 yo Double Cask (40%, OB 2016)
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Nose: plenty of butterscotch on the nose, with a little vanilla, toffee apples and some flints and matchstick heads. A little rubber. Some candied ginger in the background. Walnuts. It’s not a sherry bomb at all, and it’s a bit on the sulphury side for my taste. Some golden syrup after a while.
Mouth: smooth and rather lightweight, showing baked apple with light, sweet sherry notes (sultanas, honey) and a good dose of spices in the middle (nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger). A few zesty touches and nuts too. Light heather. Slightly bitter towards the end.
Finish: medium length, with salted caramel, citrus and oak spices.
Kind of a soft introduction to sherried whisky, making it a little ambiguous but very approachable too. I like the 12 Years Sherry Oak better – that reminds me I still need to review it. Tomorrow! Around € 60.
Score: 79/100