Macallan 12 vs Macallan 15 | Which is best?

Last updated on August 13th, 2024

Scotch lovers everywhere have been debating for years about which Macallan whisky is better: Macallan 12 vs Macallan 15?

The Macallan 12-year-old and Macallan 15-year-old whiskies each offer unique flavour profiles, so it’s hard to say definitively which one is best. In this article, we will compare the two Macallan’s side by side to determine once and for all which of these iconic single malts deserves the crown.

My Macallan whisky journey began with Macallan 12. I was immediately drawn to its light and sweet taste profile, which was unlike any other Scotch whisky I had ever tried. Macallan 12 is a great introduction to the Macallan brand due to its balanced flavour, smooth finish.

When I moved on to Macallan 15, I noticed an immediate difference in taste and complexity. Macallan 15 has a much richer flavour than Macallan 12—it’s spicier and more robust, yet still maintains Macallan’s signature smoothness. The longer maturation process of Macallan 15 does result in a higher price tag, but for me, it is definitely worth the expense for a bottle of this exquisite Scotch.

As someone who has sampled both Macallans extensively, I can confidently say that the Macallan 12 and Macallan 15 each have their own merits. In this article, we’ll look at factors such as colour, aroma, taste and finish in order to make an educated decision on whether Macallan 12 vs Macallan 15 reigns supreme. So let’s dive into a comparison of these two classic Scotch whiskies!

Macallan 12 vs Macallan 15: Quick Comparison

Macallan 12 vs Macallan 15: 12 year old review

Macallan 12 (Double Cask) is a delightful whisky that offers an array of aromas, ranging from the sweet and nutty notes of butterscotch to the subtle and sophisticated aromas of Sherry Oak. Macallan 12 displays a delightful mixture of dried fruits on the nose, including raisins, sultanas and apricots.

Blended together, the unmistakable presence of oak and vanilla creates a tantalisingly complex aroma that will draw you in. The inviting and irresistible scent is sure to captivate your senses. Macallan 12 Double Cask features a balanced flavour profile, with rich undertones of dark chocolate, honey and brown sugar complemented by a delicate touch of cinnamon spice.

Macallan 12 is the ideal spirit to savor neat or over some ice, with its velvety texture that lingers on your taste buds for an extended period. Macallan 12 is matured in American and European oak barrels that were previously used to season Oloroso Sherry casks – which adds to its complexity and depth – before being bottled at 40% ABV.

Macallan 12 has a creamy and honeyed flavour, with thick-cut marmalade, warm pastries and cinnamon on the palate. A sip of Macallan 12 reveals notes of butterscotch, dried fruits such as raisins and sultanas, apricots and vanilla that combine to create an invitingly complex aroma. The Macallan 12 also features a subtle hint of oak that adds depth to the flavour profile.

On the tongue, Macallan 12 is velvety smooth, with sweet caramel and honey flavours entwined with a warming note of ginger on the finish. The maturation process culminates in Macallan 12 preserving all its smoothness, richness and depth of flavour.

However, the most knowledgeable and experienced Macallan aficionados may feel that its latest expression is too light, lacking complexity and a tad faint compared to its original blend. To attain more layers of flavour as well as strengthen their beloved taste profile, it appears they’d favour an increase in the ageing period or an alternate variety of barrels used for maturation.

Who is it best suited to?

Macallan 12 year old Double Cask is the ideal whisky for those who are just beginning to explore and appreciate whisky, but wish to reach a more sophisticated level of appreciation.

Macallan 12 offers a range of intricate aromas and flavors that any whisky connoisseur will appreciate. On the nose, Macallan 12 features delectable notes of dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas and apricots which are then complemented by subtle hints of oak and vanilla to create a remarkable amalgamation with an inviting aroma. Its exceptionally smooth finish leaves your tongue savouring its flavour for quite some time making it ideal whether enjoyed neat or on the rocks!

Macallan 12 has a balanced flavour profile with rich undertones of dark chocolate, honey and brown sugar complemented by a delicate touch of cinnamon spice. Macallan 12 also features thick-cut marmalade, warm pastries and cinnamon on the palate giving it an even more luxurious feel in addition to being velvety smooth on the tongue with sweet caramel and honey flavours entwined with warming ginger notes at its finish.

Macallan 12 is perfectly suited for someone who’s relatively new to whisky yet wishes to take their whisky game further as Macallan 12 offers a complex range of aromas, richness in the flavour profile as well as smoothness when consumed; everything one needs (and more) for them to explore whiskies in greater depth whilst its ABV keeps influences from becoming overwhelming. Whereas a seasoned whisky- aficionado may find it a little underwhelming.

Value for money

Macallan 12 is certainly an excellent value for money whisky. Macallan 12 is crafted using only the finest barley and aged in American and European oak barrels that were previously used to season Oloroso Sherry casks, which contributes to its complexity and depth. Macallan 12 offers a broad selection of delightful aromas andflavourss.

Macallan 12 has an intricate flavour profile that is further complicated by its 40% ABV. The influence of the alcohol adds just enough oomph to be appreciated, but not so much as to overwhelm your palate– offering great value for money compared to other whiskies in the range such as Macallan 15 year old Double Cask which offers more flavours at a substantially higher price point.

Macallan 12 vs Macallan 15: 15 year old review

Macallan 15 year old Double Cask is an exquisite whisky that will surely captivate the taste buds of even the most discerning Macallan connoisseurs. Macallan 15 has a alluring aroma with notes of butterscotch, plump raisins and spiced apple crumble, coupled with oak spice on the nose. Macallan 15 provides a superior smoothness thanks to its maturation process which involves ageing in both American and European oak casks previously used to season sherry, offering an intense yet balanced flavour profile that is sure to please even the most sophisticated palates.

On the palate Macallan 15 delivers a sweet and creamy taste with hints of honey, caramelised fruit and nuts complemented by light smokiness from the sherry cask maturation.

Macallan 15 also offers a velvety texture with a full-bodied richness balanced by notes of ginger and nutmeg. The finish is long and complex, leaving flavours of dried fruits, cinnamon, cloves and oak lingering on the tongue for an extended period.

Overall Macallan 15 has been perfectly crafted by master distillers to create an incredibly smooth whisky that allows for a range of flavours and aromas to be enjoyed.

Who is the Macallan 15 year old best suited to?

Those seeking a luxurious whisky experience will love Macallan 15 as it delivers a velvety texture and rich complexity in every sip. Macallan 15 is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, allowing all of its flavour nuances to be appreciated without any added distractions.

Macallan 15 year old Double Cask is an exceptionally smooth whisky that offers a range of aromas and flavours, making it perfect for experienced whisky drinkers who appreciate craftsmanship and quality. Macallan 15 is the ideal whisky for those who enjoy a full-bodied, complex drink with subtle notes of honey, caramelised fruit, nuts, oak spice and a light smokiness.

Is the Macallan 15 year old worth the extra money?

Macallan 15 year old Double Cask is definitely worth the higher price tag, with its superior smoothness and complexity that comes from maturing in both American and European oak casks previously used to season sherry.

Macallan 15 offers an incredibly full-bodied and flavourful experience, with notes of honey, caramelised fruit, nuts, oak spice, and a light smokiness that linger on the tongue for an extended period.

Macallan 15 has been perfected by master distillers to provide an exquisite whisky-drinking experience that is tailored towards whisky drinkers who value craftsmanship and quality.

Macallan 15 also carries a significant amount of added value; while Macallan 12 may offer a range of flavours at a more affordable price point Macallan 15 surpasses it in terms of complexity and depth of flavour.

Macallan 15-year-old Double Cask is thus the perfect choice for those looking for a luxurious whisky experience delivered in every glass.

Macallan 12 vs Macallan 15: The Comparison

Macallan 12 and Macallan 15 both offer a luxurious whisky experience, however, Macallan 12 has a lighter and sweeter flavour profile than Macallan 15. Macallan 12 has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel with accents of honey, subtle notes of cinnamon and warm pastries. Macallan 12’s finish is mellow and slightly fruity with lingering hints of honey and caramelised fruits.

In comparison to Macallan 12, Macallan 15 provides a deeper flavour profile with richer depth of taste. Macallan 15 has an unmistakably smooth and velvety texture that is rounded out by notes of spice, dried fruit, orange zest, oak spice, light smokiness from the sherry cask maturation and an extended finish that is complex yet balanced. Both Macallan whiskies offer an enjoyable drinking experience; Macallan 12 being sweet yet light while Macallan 15 provides full-bodied complexity alongside its velvety texture.

The Macallan 15-year-old Double Cask is far more complex and earthy in flavour than Macallan 12; its smooth texture provides a richness that Macallan 12 can’t match. Macallan 15 has more pronounced notes of spice and tannins from the sherry casks used in its maturation, creating a balanced finish with hints of dried fruits, oak spice, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Macallan 15 also has an extended finish that lingers on the tongue for an extended period of time.

At Macallan, each whisky is carefully crafted by master distillers using only the best ingredients and processes to ensure superior quality. Macallan 15 is made with hand-selected American and European oak sherry seasoned casks, resulting in a whisky full of flavour nuances and complexity.

The Macallan 15 also carries added value due to its extended cask maturation process; allowing flavours such as honey, caramelised fruit and nuts to be enjoyed over an extended period of time. In comparison to Macallan 12 which offers a lighter profile with subtle notes of honey and pastries, Macallan 15 shines through its deep richness backed by solid notes of spice from the sherry cask maturation. Macallan 15 makes for the perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious whisky experience that focuses on craftsmanship and complex flavours.

Food Pairing Macallan 12

As discussed previously in our other comparison between Macallan 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 Macallan 12 goes beautifully with cheese.

Macallan 12 is an ideal match for Spanish Manchego cheese, offering light notes of sweet honey and delicate pastries that beautifully complement the nutty, creamy taste of this classic sheep’s milk variety. With its subtle sweetness augmenting a delightful flavour profile, there’s no better choice to pair with your favourite Manchego than Macallan 12!

Macallan 12 not only amplifies the floral notes of Manchego but also adds a richness to its flavor, making it an exceptional accompaniment. Its velvety texture brings out subtle flavours like cinnamon and spice that create a truly remarkable experience with this cheese. Macallan 12 also has an extended finish that lingers on the tongue for an extended period of time, allowing the drinker to savour every sip of Macallan and appreciate all of its delicious flavours.

Macallan 12’s velvety texture and richness perfectly pair with the nuttiness of Manchego cheese, while also delivering enough complexity to tantalise your taste buds. Why not indulge in this ideal whisky-cheese combination – it’s perfect for a delectable meal or late night snack!

Uniting Macallan 12 whisky with sheeps milk cheese is a match made in heaven. The smooth texture and slight sweetness of the whisky bring out all of the creamy, nutty notes from the cheese while adding complexity to its taste. With hints of honey, caramelised fruits and warm pastries, Macallan 12 provides an unforgettable flavour profile when paired with this particular type of cheese – it’s truly divine!

Macallan 12 also has an extended finish that lingers on the tongue for an extended period of time, giving the drinker an opportunity to appreciate all of its delightful nuances. The Macallan 12 also has a lightness that complements the richness of most sheeps milk cheeses. Its smooth texture provides just enough complexity to keep your palate interested in what comes next while not overpowering or obscuring the flavours of the cheese itself. Macallan 12 is perfect for those who want to enjoy their whisky alongside a deliciously creamy cheese.

Whether it be served neat or with a splash of water, Macallan 12 is sure to please those looking for balance between whisky and cheese. The Macallan 12’s mellow sweetness will help bring out the delicate flavours in any sheep’s milk cheese without overwhelming them; creating an enjoyable drinking experience for all.

Food Pairing: Macallan 15

Macallan 15 pairs beautifully with strong blue cheese and dark chocolate. Macallan 15’s deep richness, backed by solid notes of spice from the sherry cask maturation, complements the sharp, pungent characteristics of blue cheese.

Macallan 15 boasts a smooth, subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor of blue cheese with its creamy and nutty notes. After experiencing this whisky’s extended finish, you’ll want to savor each sip while appreciating all the depth it has to offer. As time passes on your tongue, Macallan 15 will take you through an exquisite tasting journey like no other!

Macallan 15 is the perfect pairing for dark chocolate; its intense cherry notes balance out the bitter earthiness of dark cocoa, while its lengthy finish allows a gradual release of subtle flavors such as cinnamon and spices that contribute further depth to each sip without overwhelming the deep sweetness.

Macallan 15 offers a velvety texture that adds just the right amount of nuance, keeping your palate stimulated as you uncover more of its scrumptious dark chocolate flavours.

Whether it be served neat or with a splash of water, Macallan 15 is sure to please those looking for balance between whisky and strong cheeses or decadent desserts featuring dark chocolate.

Macallan 15’s smooth, sweet taste unlocks the subtle nuances of strong cheeses or chocolates and provides a delightful drinking experience for all.

Macallan 12 vs Macallan 15: Cocktails

Macallan 12 is specifically crafted to be the ideal base for a classic whisky sour. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness offer comfort and balance, making it perfect for this dynamic cocktail. Macallan 12’s light honey, caramelised fruit, and warm pastry notes give just enough complexity that complements the tartness of lemon juice while also adding depth to its taste. Each sip will linger on your tongue as you savour all of its delightful nuances with an extended finish that leaves you wanting more!

The Macallan 12’s mellow sweetness makes it perfect for creating alcoholic beverages such as Whisky Sours without being too overpowering or masking any other flavours in the drink. Macallan’s smooth texture provides enough complexity to keep your palate interested in what comes next while not obscuring any of its delightful nuances found in each sip.

With Macallan 12, there is no need to worry about overpowering flavours in your cocktails; Macallan provides an excellent balance between sweet and tart flavours when mixed into classic drinks like a Whisky sour. Enjoy Macallan 12 today and experience the perfect balance between sweet and tart!

Macallan 15

The Macallan 15 is the perfect whisky for creating the classic Boulevardier. Macallan 15’s complexity and rich flavour are ideal for balancing out the sweetness of vermouth, bitterness of Campari, and citrus character of orange liqueur found in this cocktail. Macallan 15’s deep notes of cherry and spice from its sherry cask maturation provide just enough depth to create an enjoyable drinking experience while not overpowering any of the other flavours or ingredients present in the Boulevardier.

Macallan 15’s long-lasting finish gives one time to appreciate all the nuances of this complex whisky while also allowing one to savour every sip. Macallan 15’s velvety texture creates a unique mouthfeel that adds smoothness to each sip without masking the wonderful combination of sweet and bitter flavours found in this cocktail.

Macallan 15’s mellow sweetness provides a pleasant contrast to the tart flavour of vermouth while offering a pleasing balance between all its ingredients. Overall, The Macallan 15 is an exquisite whisky that pairs wonderfully with The Boulevardier; creating a well-rounded, sophisticated drink that is sure to please those looking for complex yet balanced cocktails without overwhelming them. Macallan 15 truly creates an enjoyable drinking experience for all!

Macallan 12 vs Macallan 15: Conclusion

Macallan 12 and Macallan 15 are both excellent whiskies with unique flavour profiles that make them perfect for different types of cocktails. Macallan 12 is a light, honey-sweet whisky with caramelised fruit and warm pastry notes that creates a classic whisky sour. Macallan 15 is a complex whisky with deep notes of cherry and spice from its sherry cask maturation.

When it comes to deciding which Macallan is better, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Macallan 12’s lighter flavour profile makes it great for cocktails like Whisky Sours while Macallan 15’s rich flavour provides a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavours in the Boulevardier.

Both Macallans offer an enjoyable drinking experience along with nuanced flavours that can be appreciated sip by sip. Macallan 12 is the ideal choice for those who appreciate subtle complexity and want to savour every sip of their drink without being overwhelmed by flavour.

Macallan 15 on the other hand is great for those who prefer bolder flavours that pack a punch yet still contain balance between all its components. Ultimately, there is no wrong answer when choosing between Macallan 12 or Macallan 15 as they both offer unique experiences that will please any connoisseur of quality whisky. Ultimately, the right choice comes down to personal preference and whichever Macallan suits your taste the best!

Authors pick

I am particularly fond of Macallan 15 whiskey, as its flavour is both deep and complex. It makes for the perfect base in drinks such as the Boulevardier due to its soft texture and sweet undertone that beautifully offset the acidic notes from vermouth. Enjoying a delightful beverage with this whisky is truly an indulgence like no other!

Although the Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask has been around for a considerable amount of time and previously was an enthusiast’s favourite, its flavour punch hasn’t quite held up over the years.

Whereas with Macallan 15, one can enjoy an extended finish that both allows time to appreciate the whisky’s complexities and savour each sip. Truly a remarkable drinking pleasure awaits you!