The Macallan Sherry Oak Cask 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - DAMAGED GIFT BOX

The newly packaged Macallan 12 year old continues the tradition of being matured exclusively in sherry seasoned casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. While the exact breakdown of the casks remains undisclosed, it tastes like some American oak is at play here.

Tasting note: Bright copper penny colour. Nice intensity and definition on the nose with a medley of dried fruits (dates, prunes, fig) alongside drier, leafy, nutty characteristics as well as fresh oak shavings and pepper prickle. Likewise on the palate which repeats the aromas adding nuances of sulphur, orange spice cake, bitter chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla. The finish drops in vibrancy and momentum leaving mostly residual vanillas, the spice and sherry notes in retreat. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews.... It’s young Macallan. There’s a hint of sulfur (from distillate rather than cask), then wet leather, Brazil nut, muesli, dried pineapple, and raisin; even a little rubber, suggestive of youth. That can’t hide the fact that this is a big, deep, oily dram. Water makes it considerably more coherent, showing a substantial, thick palate with some licorice. Ripe, but you can’t help feeling that 12 is a little young for this slow-maturing distillate. 82 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dave Broom

Nose: sure there’s more happening than in the modest Cardhu. Some nice metallic touches, a little polish, walnuts, chocolate cake, Mars bar, roasted peanuts, Ovaltine yet again… There’s also some wet earth in the background, humus, a wee mushroom hiding beneath some autumn leaves… Mouth: closer to the Cardhu, less coherent than on the nose, a tad gritty, with some tobacco and tea, then some cloves and caraway, some burnt cake… Sadly, all that does not last forever, and this baby tends to become a little too dry, bitter and narrow, although I do enjoy these notes of dried herbs, parsley, some would even say umami… Finish: short and very dry, mainly on bitter chocolate. A little burnt wood and bitter oranges in the aftertaste. Comments: really good, but the low strength makes it cheap and, well, parsimonious. A little frustrating – and at that price…
81 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com