About this whisky

The Macallan was licensed in 1824 on the Easter Elchies estate, on a bend of the River Spey, and it is known above all for its focus on wood. Its sherry-seasoned casks are made from oak sourced, crafted and seasoned in Spain to the distillery's own specification, and its curiously small copper stills give a rich, oily spirit to fill them. Double Cask 12 marries whisky from sherry-seasoned American oak and sherry-seasoned European oak, showing two sides of the Macallan house style in one bottle.

The American oak brings vanilla, citrus and light honeyed sweetness; the European oak adds dried fruit, sherry and warming wood spice, with ginger on the finish. At 40% it is smooth and generous, and the Macallan name carries real weight as a gift, whether for a wedding, a valued client or a Diwali visit. Enjoy it neat or with a little water, alongside good conversation.

Key facts

• Matured in a combination of sherry-seasoned American oak and sherry-seasoned European oak casks
• Distillery licensed in 1824 on the Easter Elchies estate above the River Spey
• Known for its unusually small ('curiously small') copper stills
• Bottled at 40% ABV

Tasting notes

Nose:

honey, vanilla and citrus, with a hint of dried fruit

Palate:

sweet honey and light oak, then sherry, dried fruit and ginger spice

Finish:

warm and gently spiced

Serve

Neat or with a little water.

Food pairing

Pair with kosha mangsho or chicken rezala, or with a dark chocolate and orange tart.