The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Year 110 Proof Scotch Whisky

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Year 110 Proof Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a cask-strength interpretation of the distillery's iconic Sherry Oak 12 — the same sherry-seasoned maturation, dialed up to a bolder bottling strength for drinkers who already know the standard 12 and want more intensity in the glass.

Process & Profile

Matured for a full twelve years exclusively in oak casks hand-selected and seasoned with sherry in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, this release is bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV) rather than the flagship's 43%. It is distilled at Easter Elchies on The Macallan's 485-acre Speyside estate, home to the distillery since Alexander Reid took out the first license in 1824. Two details set the house apart: The Macallan runs curiously small copper stills that concentrate a rich, weighty spirit, and it colors its whisky entirely from the cask — no added coloring — so the deep mahogany hue here comes straight from the sherry oak.

On the nose, sticky dates, cherry compote, cinnamon, cacao nib, and dried orange peel.

On the palate, rich oak gives way to sultana, stem ginger, star anise, mandarin, and dark-chocolate-coated espresso bean, the higher proof pushing everything deeper.

The finish is long and warming, closing on treacle toffee, mocha, and sweet cinnamon.

Where the standard Sherry Oak 12 is polished and easygoing, this 110-proof version trades approachability for concentration — the extra 12 points of ABV amplify the dried-fruit and spice signature that made the Sherry Oak line famous, making it the pour to reach for when the regular 12 feels too gentle.

Serve neat in a Glencairn, adding a few drops of water to open the sherry sweetness; it stands up beautifully to a square of dark chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this whisky?
A 12-year-old Speyside single malt matured entirely in sherry-seasoned oak and bottled at cask-strength 110 proof.

What are the specs?
12 years old, 55% ABV / 110 proof, 750mL, matured in European-style sherry-seasoned oak casks.

What does it taste like?
Dates, cherry, and dried orange on the nose lead to sultana, ginger, and dark chocolate on the palate, finishing on treacle toffee and sweet cinnamon.

How should you enjoy it?
Neat in a Glencairn with a few drops of water to open up the sherry character.

Why is this release notable?
It takes the celebrated Sherry Oak 12 recipe and bottles it at 110 proof, delivering the same maturation with markedly deeper cask intensity.