Introduction
I’ve had a longstanding appreciation for sherried single malts, and The Macallan is a consistent player when it comes to depth and maturity in that category. So when I came across this limited release—Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak bottled at 110 proof—I was genuinely curious. I’ve always known their standard 12-year Sherry Oak to be rich and smooth, but this version, presented at a stronger natural strength, seemed to promise a bit more grip and vibrancy. Naturally, I had to see how that extra ABV would influence a familiar profile.
Nose
Right from the pour, the aroma is deep and unmistakably sherried. Dried figs, dark cherries, and some strong notes of raisin bread all showed up early. After a minute or two in the glass, there’s a clear hit of oak spice—almost a cedar-like tinge—and a background of toasted almonds. The 110 proof does announce itself here: there’s some alcohol heat on the nose, but it doesn’t overpower the richer notes. After letting it breathe, I also picked up a bit of dark chocolate and orange peel.
Palate
On the palate, it’s immediately rich and mouth-coating. You get that signature Macallan dried fruit character—dates, prune, stewed plums—followed by waves of dark toffee and a trace of molasses. There’s a nicely layered spice element as well: clove, nutmeg, and a touch of cinnamon emerge mid-palate. The higher proof brings more intensity than the classic 12-year expression, but it stays balanced. There's a hint of red apple skin and leather as it opens up further with a drop or two of water. Not too tannic, but there’s a satisfying chew to it.
Finish
The finish is long and warming, with sweet spice lingering the longest—cinnamon and cocoa especially. The dried fruit slowly fades but leaves behind a subtle nutty base and a faint second wave of oak. I didn’t find much bitterness, despite the high ABV. It’s a drying finish, though not overly so. Just enough to remind you that it’s a bigger dram than the standard version.
Price and Value
This bottle sells at a premium over the regular Macallan 12 Sherry Oak, and availability is limited, so it’s not exactly an everyday pick. That said, for those who already enjoy Macallan’s core sherry-matured lineup and are looking for a bit more weight and presence in the glass, the added strength does bring genuine value. It’s certainly not a gimmick—this whisky drinks with seriousness. I’d say the price is justifiable if you’re seeking a more robust take on an already well-refined profile.
Background
This edition stays true to Macallan’s long-standing association with top-tier sherry-seasoned oak casks sourced from Jerez, Spain. The whisky spends all 12 years in these first-fill European oak casks—no blending with ex-bourbon cask stock here. The 110 proof (equivalent to 55% ABV) is a nod to cask strength offerings, though it's unclear whether it’s entirely uncut or slightly adjusted. Either way, it brings a stronger, bolder character to the Macallan 12’s well-established sherried DNA.
The Macallan distillery, located in Speyside, has long emphasized their dedication to wood management, and with this bottling, that focus is very much front and center. For more on their production and philosophy, you can visit the Macallan official website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this again? Yes, especially if I’m in the mood for a richer dram with more presence than the standard 12-year. It’s not a sharp departure from the core expression, but it does bring enough depth and structure to make it worthwhile. Is it something I’d recommend to someone new to whisky? Probably not as a first dram—the potency might be a bit much—but for those already used to sherried profiles, it’s a natural next step. As far as the kind of occasion this suits, I’d say it shines best on a slow evening with no distractions, when you can really dig into the layers. And how does it stack up compared to other sherried Speysiders? It holds its own well—bigger than GlenDronach 12, smoother than Aberlour A'bunadh, and classically Macallan in focus.