The Macallan 18-Year-Old Double Cask 2022 Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The 2022 Annual Release 18-year-old expression from Macallan’s Double Cask series.

Double Cask uses sherry seasoned American and European oak barrels – matured separately and married after 18 years.

This 18-year-old expression was introduced in 2020 after the 12-year-old appeared in 2016.

Official Tasting Notes:

Nose: Dried fruit, ginger and toffee. Rich orange with hints of clove and nutmeg.

Palate: Rich raisin and sultana with notes of caramel, vanilla and ginger, balanced by wood spice and zesty citrus.

Finish: Warm oak spice with ginger, turning to sweet orange.

Macallan is one of the world’s best known – and by value best selling – Scottish single malt whiskies. Founded in 1824, it has become a marker of prestige and quality since the distillery placed a focus on ex-sherry casks in the ’70s. 

That focus has continued into the present, with some reports suggesting that as many of 97% of casks filled at the distilley in the present day are sherry-seasoned before being filled with whisky.

In 2017 Macallan’s owners Edrington Group commissioned a new distillery building complete with 12 wash stills 24 spirits stills that will increase production capacity from 11 million litres a year to 15 million. It was opened in May 2018 and was believed to cost £140m – the old distillery building closed December 2018.

Macallan’s new make spirit is rich and oily and takes time to mature in their sherry seasoned casks, often the best expressions are in the teenage years.