The Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak is a benchmark of sherried Speyside single malt, a whisky that has come to define what richly matured Scotch can be. We pour it at Grappa in Queen Anne, Seattle, for those who appreciate elegance and depth in equal measure.

About the Distillery

The Macallan was established in 1824 on the banks of the River Spey at Easter Elchies House, and it has built a reputation as one of the most revered names in single malt Scotch. The distillery is famous for its uncompromising obsession with cask quality, investing in its own sherry-seasoned oak from forests in Spain through to the bodegas of Jerez. That commitment to wood is at the very heart of the house style.

Style & Region

This is a classic Speyside single malt, unpeated and matured entirely in oloroso sherry-seasoned oak casks crafted from European and American oak. Maturing the spirit exclusively in sherry wood, rather than finishing it, gives the 12 Year its warm amber hue and its signature dried-fruit and spice character. It is a whisky defined by the sherry cask from first fill to bottle.

Tasting Notes

Expect a generous, festive pour: dried fruits, raisins, and candied orange peel lead, joined by ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. There are notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of stewed apple, with a long, warming finish carrying gentle oak and spice. It calls to mind Christmas cake, balanced and refined throughout.

What to Pair It With

The Macallan 12’s dried-fruit and spice profile is a graceful partner for our charcuterie board, the sherry sweetness lifting cured meats and aged cheese. It is lovely alongside our flourless chocolate cake, where its cocoa and orange notes shine. It also stands up beautifully to our American Wagyu steaks. Browse the full dine-in menu.

How It’s Served at Grappa

We pour The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak neat at $30. We recommend it neat, or with a drop of water, to draw out its sherried spice.

FAQ

Where is it from?

The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak is a Speyside single malt Scotch made at The Macallan distillery on the River Spey in Scotland, established in 1824.

What does it taste like?

It is rich and sherried, with dried fruits, raisins, and candied orange peel alongside ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dark chocolate on a long, warming finish.

How is it matured?

It is matured entirely in oloroso sherry-seasoned oak casks, which give it its amber color and its signature dried-fruit and baking-spice character.

To enjoy The Macallan 12 with us, book a table, browse the cocktail & spirits list, and the dine-in menu.