Macallan 12 Year Old 110 Proof Sherry Oak Collection Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 55%

Macallan sits half-buried in a hillside above the River Spey, its turf roof rolling like the Easter Elchies countryside around it. For two centuries the people inside have agreed on one thing: the sherry cask calls the shots. With 110 Proof, they have finally turned the volume up.

Expert description

Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak 110 Proof is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured for 12 years in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez and bottled at 55%.

Picture the classic Sherry Oak 12 Year with most of the water left out. The standard bottling is brought down to 40%, while this one stops at 55%. The name comes from the American proof system, where the number is simply double the alcohol percentage. Less water means more of what the casks put in: a denser, almost oily texture and a sherry character that coats the whole mouth.

The casks are predominantly European oak, with a small share of American oak. They are seasoned with sherry in Jerez de la Frontera, shipped to Scotland and filled with new make spirit from Macallan's famously small copper stills. European oak brings more tannin and darker fruit than American oak, and you can taste it here: dates, cherries and cocoa rather than vanilla and honey. All of the colour comes from the wood, with no caramel added.

110 Proof first appeared in 2025, when the only way to buy it in Europe was through the British chain The Whisky Shop or directly from Macallan. In autumn 2026 it reached more markets, and it now sits in the Sherry Oak Collection alongside the 18, 25 and 30 year old.

Tasting notes

Nose

Sticky dates and cherry compote lead the way. Cinnamon and crushed cacao nibs follow, with dried orange slices adding a tart edge to all that sweetness.

Palate

Full and warming. Rich oak and sultanas, then stem ginger, star anise and mandarin. Further in, espresso beans dipped in dark chocolate.

Finish

Long, with dark treacle toffee and mocha, and a sweet cinnamon that refuses to leave.

Specifications

Name: Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak 110 Proof
Distillery: Macallan
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 years
ABV: 55%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, predominantly European oak with some American oak
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled
Edition: Sherry Oak Collection
EAN no.: 5010314314934

Flavour profile

Sherry matured · Fruity · Spicy · Powerful · Chocolatey

Did you know?

110 Proof is an American measurement. Under the old British system, where spirit was supposedly tested by checking whether gunpowder soaked in it would still ignite, 100 proof equalled roughly 57.1%. In British terms, this whisky would only be about 96 proof.

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Frequently asked questions about Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak 110 Proof

What does 110 Proof mean, and how is it different from the regular Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak?

110 Proof equals 55% alcohol, because American proof is the alcohol percentage multiplied by two. The regular Sherry Oak 12 Year is bottled at 40%, so the 110 Proof carries far less water and delivers a thicker texture and a more concentrated sherry flavour.

Is Macallan 12 Year 110 Proof worth it?

Yes, if you enjoy sherry matured whisky. You get Macallan's 12 year old Sherry Oak at a strength fans have asked for for years, with natural colour and casks that are mostly European oak. Reviewers have broadly welcomed it, including several who had grown sceptical of recent Macallan releases.

Should you add water or ice to Macallan 110 Proof?

Taste it neat first, then add a few drops of water. At 55%, water opens up more fruit and toffee and takes the edge off the heat. Macallan's own suggestion is to pour it over an ice sphere with a cocktail cherry and a little of its syrup, which pairs nicely with the cherry compote on the nose.

Which glass suits Macallan 12 Year 110 Proof best?

A tulip shaped whisky glass such as the Glencairn gathers the aromas so dates, orange and cocoa are not lost behind the alcohol. Browse our whisky glasses.

What food goes well with Macallan 110 Proof?

Dark chocolate with orange, aged hard cheese and fruit cake. The strength and the sherry casks can handle bold flavours, so it also works next to an after dinner espresso.

Why does Macallan use sherry casks?

Sherry casks are the core of Macallan's style and account for much of both flavour and colour. The distillery has its casks seasoned with sherry in Jerez before they travel to Scotland, which gives the dark fruit and spice Macallan is known for.