Are you a whisky lover who is always on the hunt for the best single malt scotch whiskies? If so, you might be wondering which one is better: Macallan 12 or Dalmore 12? Both are highly praised whiskies that have made waves in the whisky world with their distinct flavor profiles. In this article, we will compare the two and help you decide which one is right for you.
Macallan 12 is a well-known name, even by those who aren’t the most devoted scotch drinkers. It is aged in a joint American and European Sherry oak for 12 years, providing a refined taste that is easy to drink. On the other hand, Dalmore 12 is aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in sherry casks, giving it a darker amber color compared to the rich golden amber of Macallan 12. With these differences in mind, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose.
Table of Contents
History of Macallan 12 and Dalmore 12
Macallan 12 Single Malt Scotch Whiskey’s History
Macallan 12 is a single malt scotch whiskey that has been around since 1824. The distillery is located in Speyside, Scotland, and is known for producing some of the finest single malt scotch whiskey in the world. Macallan 12 is made using a combination of American and European oak sherry casks. The whiskey is aged for 12 years, which gives it a smooth, rich, and complex flavor profile.
Dalmore 12 Single Malt Scotch Whiskey’s History
Dalmore 12 is a single malt scotch whiskey that has been around since 1839. The distillery is located in the Highlands of Scotland, and is known for producing some of the most luxurious and expensive whiskey in the world. Dalmore 12 is made using a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. The whiskey is aged for 12 years, which gives it a rich, complex, and full-bodied flavor.
Production Process
Macallan 12 Single Malt Scotch Whiskey’s Production Process
photo Editorial credit: Billy Watkins / Shutterstock.com
You’ll be interested to know that the Macallan 12 production process is quite unique. The whiskey is made from 100% malted barley and is distilled in copper stills. Once distilled, the spirit is aged for 12 years in sherry seasoned oak casks that have been imported from Spain. The casks are carefully selected to ensure that only the best are used to age the whiskey. Macallan 12 is known for its rich fruitcake flavors that are a result of the sherry casks.
Dalmore 12 Single Malt Scotch Whiskey’s Production Process
photo Editorial credit: Jacobo Castro Cristo / Shutterstock.com
Dalmore 12 has a production process that is quite different from Macallan 12. The whiskey is made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley, which is then distilled in copper stills. Once distilled, the spirit is aged for 9 years in ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred to Oloroso sherry casks for an additional 3 years. This unique aging process gives Dalmore 12 a distinct flavor profile that includes notes of orange, chocolate, and spice.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, both Macallan 12 and Dalmore 12 are highly praised single malt scotch whiskies that have made waves in the whisky world with their distinct flavor profiles.
Macallan 12 has a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of dried fruit, spice, and vanilla. It has a smooth and creamy texture that is easy on the palate. The sherry oak casks used in the maturation process give it a distinct sweetness that is not overpowering. The finish is long and satisfying with a hint of oak and spice.
On the other hand, Dalmore 12 has a more robust and intense flavor profile with notes of chocolate, coffee, and citrus. It has a slightly thicker texture than Macallan 12 and is more full-bodied. The sherry casks used in the maturation process give it a rich and fruity sweetness that is balanced by a hint of spice. The finish is long and warming with a touch of oak and a hint of smoke.
Price Comparison
When it comes to the price of Macallan 12 vs Dalmore 12, there is a noticeable difference. Macallan 12 is generally more expensive than Dalmore 12.
On average, you can expect to pay around $92 for a 750ml bottle of Macallan 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak Single Malt. In comparison, a 750ml bottle of Dalmore 12 will cost you around $60.
It’s worth noting that prices may vary depending on your location and where you purchase the whisky from. However, in general, Macallan 12 is considered a premium whisky with a higher price point than Dalmore 12.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing between Macallan 12 and Dalmore 12 comes down to personal preference. Both are excellent single malt scotch whiskies with distinct flavor profiles. Here are some key takeaways to consider when making your decision:
- Macallan 12 has a rich fruitcake flavor profile that comes from spending twelve years maturing in sherry seasoned oak casks from Spain. It is a smooth and easy-to-drink scotch that is well-known and highly praised in the whisky world.
- Dalmore 12, on the other hand, is matured in ex-bourbon barrels for nine years before being transferred to Oloroso sherry casks for a further three years. This gives it a unique flavor profile that includes notes of citrus, chocolate, and spice.
- Macallan 12 Double Cask and Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask Select are both excellent options if you enjoy “sherry bombs” – scotches with a strong sherry influence.
If you prefer a smooth and easy-to-drink scotch with a rich fruitcake flavor, Macallan 12 is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for something with a unique flavor profile that includes notes of citrus, chocolate, and spice, Dalmore 12 is a great option.
