This is the Macallan 12 Years Sherry Oak, the entry-level all-sherry Macallan I was talking about yesterday while reviewing the new Macallan 12 Years Double Cask.
Sherry oak is really the core of the Macallan legacy (the 18 Sherry is a legend), and of course they’ve never phased them out completely, but with the Fine Oak and 1824 series they have been less prominent – and less available – than before.
Macallan 12 yo Sherry Oak (40%, OB 2016)
Macallan 12 yo Sherry Oak (40%, OB 2016)Nose: definitely richer than the Double Cask. Less flinty matchsticks and (a tad) less caramel. Instead you get thicker fruits (plum jam, blackberries), candy apples. A bit of vanilla and ginger. Maybe a light hint of wood smoke too, but without the hint of matchsticks.
Mouth: similar profile than the Double Cask, but slightly fuller and more classically sherried. Nutty notes, raisins, blackberries and caramel. Orange peel – a similar bittersweet edge than the Double Cask.
Finish: medium long, mostly on orange peel and caramel notes.
It’s easy to see they share the same concept, but I definitely prefer the Sherry Oak over the new Double Cask, especially on the nose. Now all we could wish for is more oomph. Around € 90, but still worth the extra in my opinion.
Score: 85/100