Introduction
I’ve always had a soft spot for Macallan’s sherry cask expressions, but in recent years I’ve found many of them drifting toward softer profiles, often settling closer to 40–43% ABV. So when I came across this Macallan 12 Year Old released at 110 proof (roughly 55% ABV), it immediately grabbed my attention. A bolder version of a familiar profile? I couldn’t resist finding out whether that extra strength would bring more depth or simply overpower the elegance I usually associate with this Speyside classic.
Nose
Right from the beginning, the aroma was concentrated and expressive. There’s no mistaking the heavy sherry influence—dried figs, raisins, and dark cherry compote come through early. Behind that, I picked up some baked orange peel, damp oak, and just a faint touch of clove. The alcohol is present but not aggressive. With a bit of resting time, it opened up further, developing subtle notes of antique polish and toasted almonds. It's a dense nose, layered and potent, but still balanced overall.
Palate
Neat, the whisky is rich and mouth-coating. It lands with a slightly syrupy feel, delivering the expected dried fruit character—sultanas, spiced plum jam, and sweet prunes—but there's also a more savory edge here, almost like leather and tobacco leaf. The oak profile is more commanding at this strength, offering touches of cinnamon and bitter dark chocolate. Adding a small splash of water helped dial back the sharper edges and revealed a creamy, nutty mid-palate that reminded me of hazelnuts and burnt toffee. The sherry cask is undeniably dominant, but what sets this apart is the intensity and the complexity brought forward by the higher proof.
Finish
The finish is long, spicy, and a bit drying. The warmth settles in gradually, with lingering notes of espresso, baking spice, and a touch of black pepper on the back of the tongue. After several minutes, I was still tasting echoes of dried citrus peel and a gentle cocoa bitterness. It’s not overly smooth, but neither is it harsh—just assertive and very much in line with the style of whisky this aims to be. Well-integrated heat and a proper sense of structure.
Price and Value
This release is priced above Macallan’s standard 12 Year Old offerings. I paid just under £100, which puts it in the premium bracket for a non-age-difference sibling. That said, the jump in ABV seriously boosts the experience. If you enjoy sherried single malts and appreciate high-strength whiskies that still show good balance, this feels more than fair. For comparison, other cask strength expressions in this style often cost significantly more.
Background
This bottle comes from the Sherry Oak Collection, presented at 110 proof, and sticks firmly to what Macallan is known for: high-quality ex-sherry casks from Jerez, Spain. Aged entirely in those seasoned oak barrels, the whisky reflects Macallan’s long-standing partnership with cooperages that specifically build and toast casks for their needs. You can read more about their process on the official Macallan website, where they detail the relationship between oak and spirit in shaping their house character.
There’s no chill filtration here and no added colouring, which is good to see in a bottle aimed at enthusiasts. While Macallan doesn’t release many core range bottles above 46%, this release is a rare exception likely aimed at collectors and those looking for something closer to the profile of the distillery's private or limited edition offerings.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Yes, especially if I’m looking for something with the Macallan profile that can stand up to slow sipping or colder weather. I wouldn't recommend it as a starting point for someone just getting into Scotch—despite the familiar flavour profile, the high ABV may be intimidating. For experienced drinkers, though, it’s a solid sherried dram with an edge.
In terms of occasion, I found it best as an end-of-day pour, something to take your time with. Compared to other Speyside whiskies in the same age bracket and style—Glendronach or Tamdhu, for example—this manages to feel both richer and more aggressive, thanks to the bottling strength.
And if you're wondering whether that 110 proof feels like a gimmick or a real enhancement, I'd say it genuinely changes the experience. This isn’t just a bolder take on the classic Macallan—it’s a whisky that invites a little patience, a few drops of water, and a slower pace to fully appreciate what it has to offer.