This Macallan 12 review goes over tasting notes and personal impressions of this Highland spirit.
Quick Taste Notes:
- Oak
- Caramel
- Sherry
- Vanilla
- Honey
Quick Facts:
- Category: Scotch
- Country: Scotland
- Region: Highland
- Distillery: The Macallan
- Age: 12 Year Old
- Style: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Alcohol: 46%
The Macallan 12 Whiskey History
A distillery located in Speyside that claims a Highland title is probably the most popular and sought-after distillery on the market. The most expensive bottle sold in the world is a Macallan 1988 sold for $1.3 million. Founded in 1824 The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. The Macallan distillery was founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher. The original name of the area was “Maghellan”, taken from the Gaelic word “magh”, meaning fertile ground and “Ellan”, from the Monk St.Fillan – who held a close association with the church that stood in the grounds of The Macallan Estate until 1400. Farmers had been making whisky on their Speyside farms in the area for centuries, using their surplus barley during the quieter winter months.
How does The Macallan 12 taste?
The most famous distillery in the world creates a blend between oak, ginger and vanilla. The Macallan is a smooth whiskey that is very light and easy to sip on . On the nose you notice butterscotch and vanilla. Palate gives you honey, ginger and a hint of caramel. Finish gives you a smooth taste of oak that lingers. The Macallan 12 is matured in Oloroso sherry seasoned cask that gives it the distinctive oaky character. The Macallan 12 is a very tall bottle that is not convenient on a shelf but you can’t deny that the design looks unique and attractive. I remember buying this bottle for the first time during early 2020 after trying it at a restaurant a week earlier. Ordering Macallan makes you feel like a baller, even people who are not into Scotch know about it. The waiter thinks to himself what a man of substance and class as he asks you the worst question ever: “On the rocks or neat?”. I give him a judging stare as I answer “Neat”!. You should never disrespect a quality scotch by having it on the rocks, the ice dulls the taste and waters it down. 12 years of hard work would go down the drain and you will not experience the craftsmanship and art that this single malt is.
The Macallan 12 Price Range:
The Macallan 12 usually cost $65-$80.
Verdict
90/100