The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

For the most part, a fine scotch, such as the Macallan 12-Year Sherry Oak Whisky, is meant to be consumed neat and at room temperature to fully appreciate the spirit’s aroma and complex flavor. Pour about 2 ounces (a double shot) into a tulip-shaped glass or snifter — you want your drinking vessel to have plenty of room for swirling and releasing the scotch’s aroma while also providing a pleasant rim from which to leisurely sip. While many single malt purists would deign to add anything else, you might experiment with adding a little water or an ice cube.

Any expression from the Macallan 12-Year collection is on the pricier side — a standard 750mL bottle of the Macallan 12-Year Sherry Oak Whisky will cost you at least $100. The truth is, in the world of scotch, $100 is pretty reasonable. Plus, the Macallan distillery is one the best in the world, with a seriously committed following of Scotch lovers. The Macallan 12-Year Sherry Oak is aged for at least 12 years in a specialty Oloroso sherry cask from Spain. So you’ll immediately notice an appealing spicy aroma when you bring the glass to your nose.

Despite it being called a whisky in its name, the Macallan 12-Year Sherry Oak Whisky is a type of scotch — fast fact: scotch is just a particular style of whisky made exclusively in Scotland with its own specific regulations. Considering that the Macallan expressions are distilled in Easter Elchies, Scotland (in pretty much a Scottish castle), this brand of whisky meets the definition of fine scotch. Scotch whisky tends to differ dramatically from more traditional American-style whiskeys (for one, American whiskey is spelled differently). Furthermore, American whiskey is mostly made from rye and corn, whereas Scotch whisky is made from malted barley.

Macallan’s single malt whiskies, including the Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak Whisky, are a superb choice for scotch enthusiasts. While many varieties of scotch are super peaty (which can be an aggressive and slightly off putting flavor), Macallan’s scotch whiskies are anything but. Instead, Macallan 12-Year Sherry Oak Whisky is welcoming and spicy — this is your go-to scotch for late-night conversations. The only sticking point is the bottle’s price, which can easily top $100, so make sure whomever you buy it for is willing to share!