Scotch is known for its smoothness and approachable whiskies like the Macallan.
It’s one of the finest and most incredibly smooth single malt scotch whiskies you can luxuriously enjoy.
Most purists will agree that it is best to drink Macallan straight, with no frills, just as it is.
Keep on reading to discover the best Macallan whisky and a glimpse of the quality and smoothness you can expect from drinking it.
Top 10 Best Macallan Whiskey You Need To Try
10. Macallan Classic Cut
Average Price: Around $278 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 52.50%
Why We Like It:
The Classic Cut of Macallan has a limited release annually.
Its 2022 release offers a uniquely heightened flavor experience of sweeter notes and a creamy mouthfeel with balanced flavors.
It is matured in sherry-seasoned American oak barrels, which gives a fresh oak flavor to the palate.
The Macallan Classic Cut has the sweet character of ginger, vanilla, and orange zest aroma.
It is enjoyable to drink neat and has an elegant medium-sweet finish with hints of spiced fruit.
9. Macallan Estate Single Malt
Average Price: Around $220 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
The Macallan Estate is a special single malt released in 2019, tributing to the Macallan’s heritage and home. [1]
It has a rare spirit from a part of locally grown barley distilled once a year from its distillery within the legendary Speyside region of Scotland.
This whisky delivers a balance of the traditional sherried richness and a subtle hint of citrus, resulting in an extraordinarily sweet citrus finish.
8. Macallan 15 Double Cask
Average Price: Around $173 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
Macallan 15 Double Cask is a great single malt with the right level of sweetness and deep-tasting notes on the palate.
It is matured from a combination of a seasoned sherried wine of American and European oak casks.
Macallan 15 Double Cask gives a pleasant warmth on the throat but with an easy, smooth-down sip.
It has a rich caramel chocolate taste with a baking spice that settles nicely on your palate.
You will love this scotch whisky for its long, toasted oak finish, lingering dark chocolate notes, and a bit peppery on the back end.
7. Macallan 18 Double Cask
Average Price: Around $350 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
Macallan 18 Double Cask is matured from two types of hand-crafted oaks seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry.
It creates a distinctive single malt taste and character once matured.
This Macallan whisky has a prominent dried fruit note, ginger hints, and roasted nuts aromas.
It has a soft mouthfeel and creamy texture with no alcohol burn making it easy to sip.
Macallan 18 Double Cask has no off notes of peat, smoke, or harsh flavors, making this Macallan best to drink neat.
6. Macallan Rare Cask
Average Price: Around $375 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
Macallan Rare Cask is a unique expression of Macallan’s distillery made from sherry oaks.
It has welcoming and pleasant aromas of vanilla, dried fruit, and toasty oak on the nose.
Rare Cask has an incredibly smooth texture, rich sherry notes, hints of raisins, and dark chocolate behind.
It’s a special malt whisky that goes through selected first-fill sherry barrels.
Rare Casks are full of flavors and have a balanced taste for a satisfying drink. It has a pleasant long finish with rich chocolate notes and a touch of ripe fruits and toasted oak.
5. Triple Cask Matured 12 Years Old
Average Price: Around $68 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
The Macallan Triple Cask Matured 12 Years Old is a series of single malt whiskies made from American and European seasoned casks and American ex-bourbon casks.
This triple-cask whisky gives an extraordinary smoothness on the palate. It has medium-balanced lemon, nutmeg, and light oak flavors.
The Macallan Triple Cask Matured 12 Years Old has a medium finish with lingering fruit notes of papaya, melon, and hints of oak spices.
4. Macallan 18-Year-Old Sherry Oak Single Malt
Average Price: Around $475 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
The Macallan 18-Year-Old Sherry Oak Single Malt comes from its 12-year expression but with a more advanced flavor profile.
It has gone through a careful distilling process and is aged from sherry casks resulting from pleasant toasty oak and vanilla flavors.
This 18-year-old sherry-oaked single malt creates an amazing harmony of sweet dried fruit and wood spice on the palate.
It has an elegant finish with notes of dried fruit and ginger.
“Scotch Whisky is about the only thing left that is guaranteed to bring comfort to mankind.”
– Robert Boothby, Baron Boothby, Writer
3. Macallan Double Cask Gold
Average Price: Around $60 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Macallan Double Cask Gold has a sunny gold color feature rich in butterscotch aroma and a hint of baking spice, vanilla, and toffee apple.
Each Macallan Double Cask Gold bottle has delicious honey, chocolate hints, citrus, and caramel flavors, with a warm, sweet finish and lingering oak notes.
It’s one of the most affordable and delicious Macallan made without sacrificing its premium quality.
2. Macallan Double Cask 12-Year Old
Average Price: Around $82 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
It has a full-rounded single malt with a perfect balance of citrus, honey, and ginger.
Macallan Double Cask 12-Year-Old is aged from hand-picked seasoned oaks from Jerez.
This Macallan whisky combines the complexity and richness of flavors of dried fruit, notes of ginger, and sweet cinnamon spice and vanilla.
It has a long finish with warm ginger undertones.
Read: Macallan 12 vs Dalmore 12 Whiskies
1. Macallan 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak Single Malt
Average Price: Around $92 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
This Macallan 12-Year-Old sherry oak single malt is a great option for those who want a premium whisky from Macallan with a lower range price.
It’s a classic Macallan dram aged in seasoned oak casks from Jerez. Macallan 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak has a smooth texture with balanced sweet dried fruits and spice you’ll love.
*All prices are based on The Macallan website. Prices may vary in other local liquor shops.
FAQs
What is the best Macallan whisky to invest in?
The best Macallan whisky to invest in is in one of its rare casks. With rarity at its core, the casks used are so rare that they will never use them again in another Macallan expression.
Over the years, a price of a rare cask could go over hundreds of thousands, even millions, for a cask just like the 1988 Macallan.
Which Macallan whisky is the smoothest?
Rare Cask is the smoothest whisky from the Macallan. It gives a complex and intense full-bodied profile but with satisfying and unmatched silky smoothness.
Is Macallan whisky worth the buck?
Yes, the Macallan whiskies are worth the buck. Macallan distillery is one of the most consistent producers of premium single malts from Speyside used in their whiskies.
Speyside whisky tends to have fruitier malts and is gentler, making Macallan one of the finest scotch whiskies for beginners.
What Makes Macallan Whiskey the Best Choice?
Macallan whiskey is renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. From its carefully selected ingredients to its meticulous aging process, every detail contributes to its distinct flavor and character.
Which Macallan Whiskey Expression is Considered the Best?
While preferences vary among whiskey enthusiasts, the Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak is often celebrated as one of the finest expressions. Its rich, complex profile and smooth finish make it a favorite among connoisseurs.
How Should I Enjoy Macallan Whiskey to Experience Its Best Flavor?
To fully appreciate the nuances of Macallan whiskey, consider savoring it neat or with a splash of water. This allows you to enjoy its rich aromas and complex flavors without diluting its essence.
What Food Pairings Complement the Best Macallan Whiskey?
The rich and nuanced flavors of Macallan whiskey pair beautifully with savory dishes like grilled steak, roasted lamb, or aged cheeses. These food pairings enhance the whiskey’s complexity and depth.
Is Macallan Whiskey Suitable for Cocktails or Should It Be Enjoyed Neat?
While Macallan whiskey is often savored neat to appreciate its full character, it can also be used in cocktails. Classic cocktails like the Macallan Manhattan or a Whiskey Sour can showcase its unique flavor profile.
What Sets Macallan Whiskey Apart from Other Brands?
Macallan’s commitment to quality and tradition sets it apart from other whiskey brands. Its use of carefully selected oak casks, dedication to aging, and attention to detail in the distillation process contribute to its exceptional taste and reputation.
How Should I Serve Macallan Whiskey to Impress Guests?
When serving Macallan whiskey to guests, consider offering it in a traditional whiskey tumbler or a Glencairn glass to enhance the tasting experience. Provide a water pitcher on the side for those who prefer to add a drop or two.
Can Macallan Whiskey Be Enjoyed Year-Round or Is It Best Suited for Certain Seasons?
Macallan whiskey can be enjoyed year-round, but its rich, warming qualities make it especially delightful during colder months. Its depth of flavor and smooth finish offer a comforting indulgence on chilly evenings.
What’s the Ideal Temperature for Serving Macallan Whiskey?
It’s generally recommended to serve Macallan whiskey at room temperature or slightly chilled. This allows its complex flavors to shine without being overshadowed by extreme temperatures.
Final Verdict
The Macallan has an obsession with creating quality whiskies.
Their mastery from hand-crafted wood to creating spirits has gained a high reputation among other scotch whiskies.
Bottles of Macallan are great to drink straight or neat because of their undeniable smoothness.
But these whiskies are not just best for sipping but are also great for collecting.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilyprice/2019/05/31/the-macallan-unveils-its-first-ever-estate-expression-and-you-can-actually-afford-it/
- https://sports.yahoo.com/forgotten-cask-macallan-1988-just-165732915.html
