If you’re a bourbon fan trying to get into Scotch, pay attention, this new Scotch may be for you.
The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky is The Macallan’s latest release and uses both Sherry-seasoned European Oak and American Oak to age their whisky. To make the Scotch, the American Oak is selected and shipped to Spain where it is Sherry-seasoned before being transported to The Macallan’s distillery on Speyside, where the whisky ages for at least twelve years.
Once aged, the American Oak-aged whisky is married to European Oak-aged whisky, producing a Scotch that maintains all of the characteristics that Scotch lovers enjoy while also adding new, fresh notes more familiar to bourbon drinkers.
“By combining wood influences, we have been able to produce a new Macallan which sits perfectly between our existing Sherry Oak and Fine Oak ranges,” says Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Master Whisky Maker.
The American Oak’s biggest contributions—and the reason it’ll appeal to bourbon drinkers—are the vanilla sweet notes that the oak imparts on the whiskey. The nose of Double Cask has creamy vanilla, candied orange, and strong hints of oak. On the palate you’ll find the distinctive dried fruit and wood spice that The Macallan Scotch is known for in addition to caramel and citrus. The finish is warm and sweet.
The 2016 Beverage Institute Tastings Competition awarded Double Cask a score of 95 (“Exceptional”), one of the two highest-placed scotches of the year. The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky comes in at 43% ABV and retails for $65.
