Macallan 12 years old Double Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 40%

Macallan took the two great oak traditions — European and American — and set them to work together. Double Cask is the result: a whisky that doesn't have to choose sides, but benefits from both.

Expert description

Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in sherry seasoned European and American oak casks and bottled at 40%. While the classic Sherry Oak uses only European oak, Double Cask introduces American oak casks seasoned with Oloroso sherry. American oak provides a softer, sweeter profile with more vanilla and coconut, and the result is a lighter, more accessible Macallan than its Sherry Oak sibling.

Double Cask is a good entry point into the Macallan range and a great everyday dram. It does not eclipse its older Sherry Oak sibling, but it is more approachable and has broader appeal.

Tasting notes

Nose

Toffee, banana and fudge with soft sherry. Dark fruit, red berries and mild chocolate with baking spices like cardamom and vanilla.

Palate

Marshmallow and anise with ginger and citrus. Medium-thin mouthfeel with light dryness, fig notes and maltiness.

Finish

Plums and oaky sherry with smooth, fruity caramel. Long and soothing with vanilla and light black pepper.

Specifications

Name: Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask
Distillery: Macallan
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 years
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Sherry seasoned European and American oak casks
EAN no.: 5010314302863

Flavour profile

Sherry-matured · Vanilla-sweet · Fruity · Soft and accessible

Did you know?

American oak is far more commonly used for bourbon than for Scotch whisky — Macallan was one of the first distilleries to introduce American sherry casks into Speyside distillation as a systematic part of their production.

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Frequently asked questions about Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask

What is the difference between Macallan 12 Double Cask and 12 Sherry Oak?

Sherry Oak uses only European sherry casks and has a deeper, darker sherry character. Double Cask uses both European and American sherry casks, giving a lighter and sweeter profile with more vanilla — generally more accessible for a wider range of palates.

What does Macallan 12 Double Cask taste like?

Toffee, banana and fudge on the nose with soft sherry and dark fruit. The palate starts sweet with marshmallow and anise, with fig notes and light maltiness. The finish is long with smooth fruity caramel and vanilla.

Is Double Cask a good beginner whisky?

Yes — Double Cask is one of the most accessible Macallan whiskies. The soft, sweet profile and well-known name make it an ideal introduction to Macallan and to Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky in general.

Is Macallan 12 Double Cask chill filtered?

Yes — Macallan 12 Double Cask is chill filtered and colour adjusted for consistency across batches.

What does the American oak contribute to Double Cask?

American oak is naturally more porous than European oak and gives the whisky a sweeter, more vanilla-driven character. The sherry seasoning of the American cask adds fruit notes on top, creating the characteristic Double Cask balance.

Can Macallan 12 Double Cask be used in cocktails?

Yes — the soft and sweet profile makes it well suited to whisky-based cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour, where Macallan's fruity character can shine.