This review was written and shared by Paul Martin.

Name: The MacAllan Sherry Oak 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

ABV: 43%

Proof: 86

Notes: Many consider The MacAllan one of the world’s premier 12-year-old whiskies. Its beautiful amber color appeared deeper than expected for its age. The nose, a little astringent at first, revealed notes of oak, sherry, and honey. A smokiness evoked campfire and, curse my nose, burnt hair. Adding a few drops of water brought out vanilla, cherry, and caramel.

The palate contained notes of oak, sherry, and honey. A few drops of water elicited cherry, vanilla, spice, and smoke. Overall, I enjoyed the fruitiness, but the oak, vanilla, smoke, and spice predominated. I searched for the ginger detected by many reviewers but couldn’t find it. A firm finish lingered with notes of fruit, vanilla, caramel, and spices.

The MacAllan 12 year deserves its reputation. It offers an interesting combination of fruit, sherry, and smoke without peat. This complex flavor profile and the distillery’s reputation justify the $40-50 price tag.