Following a slew of NAS bottlings, Macallan flips 180 degrees with a new 12 Year Old. It completes a triptych of Sherried whiskies, each with a slightly different emphasis. Stylistically, Double Cask sits in between the 12 Year Old Sherry Oak and 12 Year Old Fine Oak. The former is matured in a mixture of American Oak Sherry casks and European Oak sherry, with more influence from European oak. The Fine Oak bottling sees a higher proportion of American oak ex-Sherry casks plus the inclusion of x-Bourbon casks.

Double wood, on the other hand, is matured in a combination of American and European Sherry oak but with a higher proportion of American oak ex-Sherry casks (though reportedly the mix is very close to 50:50). The Macallan calls it a marriage of two worlds, old and new. In terms of flavour variation between the three, generally speaking, European oak will impart more of a tannic, spicy flavour, whereas American oak will impart more vanilla, sweet spice, orchard fruit and citrus. Finally, the Sherry input will contribute the fruitcake character familiar to lovers of these styles.

Other reviews… Bright deep amber color. Nutty aromas of butter sautéed almonds and pecans, conditioned leather armchair, honey pastry, and rancio with a satiny, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, complex, long chocolate cream, vanilla latte, and spiced cherries finish. A superb sherried highland malt that is a sheer pleasure to drink.
95 points Gold Medal, Exceptional – www.tastings.com