Well take a deep dive into what scotch is and how it compares and contrasts with whiskies and other distilled spirits the world over. Oban 14 year old - Ru whisky Oban 14 nm, dng ru whisky c in . Crown Royal vs Jim Beam: Discover the Better! 1.750.000 Ru Oban 14 nm 700 ml / 43%. Shieldaig Speyside Single Malt 750ml. Something like a bakery flavor. Posted on Published: August 26, 2022- Last updated: August 30, 2022. Macallan 12 Yr Double Cask 750ml. Michter's Single Barrel Rye. Fernet $ 11. 1 brand of Canadian whisky in global sales, while Canadian Mist is No. Oban 14 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky; Distillery Bottling; 70cl / 43% Add to Wishlist. Now its time to take the next logical leap. Our barley travels from Speyside. Oban 14 vs Macallan 12 . Macallan 25 Year Sherry Oak Cask. And globally, Crown Royal is No. Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak Cask. DALMORE 12 yrs 12 . It's also a great representation of how important the wood selection of barrels actually is. Old Ballantruan "The Peated Malt" Royal Brackla 16 Year. The Macallan 12 May 30, 2018 Scotch 100 - 86 rating - SOLID; Macallan 12 Double Cask September, 20 2018 Scotch 100 - 85 rating - SOLID; Mortlach 15 (G&M) December 31, 2019 Scotch 100 - 7/10; Oban 14 June 22, 2018 Scotch 100 - 84 rating - FINE; Old Pulteney 12 May 14, 2018 Scotch 100 - 83 rating - FINE Actually, most single malts are blends of different barrels. Oban ages for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels. Glenlivet vs Glenfiddich: The Original Single Malt Scotch Showdown. The Quest Collection Quest, Lumina, Terra, Enigma ranging in order from light citrus, to sweet vanilla, darker toffee, and mature oak and cinnamon, Rare Cask a simple dram that focuses on the effect of The Macallans renowned casks, The Master Decanter Series similar to Quest, but with a focus on the effects of sherry aging, each bottle increases in depth and maturity as you move through. Welcome to the big leagues. . Macallan 12 vs 18: Does the Price Make a Difference? This gves it a rich and full flavor, with notes of peat and smoke. Dalmore 12 vs Glenfiddich 12: Discover the Better! [], Copyright 2023 Whisky, Whiskey & Bourbon | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Double Cask Gold is the new name for Gold as part of Macallan's relaunched range introduced in 2018. But the pear and melon cream comes in more quickly. Today, the terms describe distinct whiskey, Grab your popcorn and a comfy seat and get ready for the battle of a lifetime one that has been centuries in the making. The Sherry Oak series has ages ranging from 12 to 18, 25, and 40. Although on the mainland, its small size, slow distillation process and proximity to the sea help recall the Island style of scotch that is no longer a recognized region while acknowledging the Highland region and influences. About 18 related sites found. Oban 14 Year. Order Courvoisier V.S. Between them, they boast, Aged a little older. Appearance: Oban 14-Year-Old is packaged in one of the whisky industry's most beautiful canisters, a cream-and-blue affair adorned with a gorgeous, evocative line drawing of sea birds resting on craggy cliffs. Hennessy $ 18. Then the Macallan 15 or . This single malt whisky was aged for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels and you can tell as there are many bourbon-like notes in it. Palate: Dried fruit, pear, apple, baking spice, smoke. A long spicy finish remains with remnants of oranges as well. Oban ages for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels. And theyve built up a reputation that reflects their longevity! Thank you for making Chowhound a vibrant and passionate community of food trailblazers for 25 years. Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14: Which Single Malt Wins? Palate: Dried fruit, pear, apple, baking spice, smoke. The Oban facility is relatively small just over 46,000 square feet and all of its spirits come off two stills one beer still and one spirit still. That depends on which ones you want to serve (and clarifying which editions we are talking about). On the palate, Oban 14 provides a nice mouthfeel as the body feels full. GlenDronach Single Malt Scotch Whisky Original Aged 12 Years $72.14. They can get very complicated, so, for now, lets just focus on the 4 basic rules. Macallan 12 is a Single Malt Scotch that has been aged for 12 years in oak. The 18 is truly outstanding, in my opinion!). In the background, a paddleboat steams down the Ohio River loaded of course with barrels of Bourbon whiskey making their way to the port of New Orleans. The Macallan 18 anos . 7. While American and Irish whiskeys have many things in common, both agree that whiskey should be spelled with an e. That puts these two styles of whiskey in the minority. Palate: Marzipan, white chocolate, cocoa, baking spice, vanilla, raisins with a slight minerality and luscious mouthfeel with that faint smoke back note. The reputation for superb whisky doesnt appear overnight. My passion for Scotch started in college when my conniving parents gave me their best whisky for my "first taste." And both are well respected by seasoned drinkers throughout the American bourbon, What if we told you that Knob Creek was Jim Beam? Little Bay is more robust and younger release and you can tell as its a bit rougher around the edges. The Macallan is owned and operated by the Edrington Group, a family-owned business based in Glasgow, Scotland. 1 selling brand in the United States, with Tullamore DEW following behind. Many casks are seasoned with sherry. A long spicy finish remains with remnants of oranges as well. Sherry Cask Matured in Spanish oak casks from Jerez, Spain, seasoned with Sherry, Triple Oak First Maturation in European oak seasoned with sherry, Second Maturation in American oak seasoned with sherry, Third Maturation in American ex-bourbon casks. Of course Macallan 12 is hardly the only option. "The Last Pub in Fleet Street" - Whiskey reviews, comparisons, and history written by an 8 year veteran of the industry and Certified Specialists of Spirits. Clearly, any bourbon fan who has tried both bottles knows thats not the case. The finish is long and pleasantly warm, leaving an aftertaste of oak, baking spice and salt. Every release . 5. They also use first-fill for many of their bottles, which means these barrels have to be made fresh. Aged in both American oak and sherry oak casks, . A little higher proof. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the second distillation, the master distiller chooses when to cut the product between the head, heart, and tail. Overall, the simple Double Oak is also very pleasant, but it lacks some of the punch that makes the Sherry finish shine. I don't intend for anyone to accept this as the word of the lord god I will interpret the question to refer to the reputations of the brands, and not assume any par. More recently, the Stevenson brothers John and Hugh opened the Oban Distillery in the remote Hebrides shore in 1794. While each of these bottles offers a great representation of their price range, what might be most appealing is the opportunity to further your whiskey education, Weve got a Tennessee showdown on our hands. Each has been led by Bourbon Hall of Famers and has had decades of influence over what the bourbon community considers, Irish and Scottish whiskies have intertwined histories that date back nearly a millennium. Triple and sherry are both slightly higher priced which makes sense for the differences in maturation. It's one of three bottles I seem to keep perpetually on hand: Lagavulin 16, Oban 14, Balvenie 12. Or, is scotch whisky? Then the Macallan 15 or Glenfarclas 15 (for presumably the most sherry, depends again on which edition). It has moderate legs at 43 percent alcohol by volume, or 86 proof. 6. FRENCH ONION DIP 14 caramelized onion, crme frache, boursin cheese, smoked trout roe, . 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition. These products include (from low to high-cost): Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Platinum Label 18-Year-Old and Blue Label. Lingering spices. Charcoal Mellowed. Perfect. It is pretty tasty and at $60 it's a solid 12 year bottle from Macallan. Dried fruit: raisins, apricots, mango perhaps? Tongue: Vanilla and butterscotch, with cinnamon and a nutty character. Today, we pit two peated whiskies that represent the smoky flavor and phenolic character for which the Isle of Islay is renowned. Just a hint of baking spices like nutmeg. But the one thing they have in common is the price point. Glenmorangie Signet: Overall best whisky; Macallan 12 Year Double Cask: Best value whisky; Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Best tasting whisky; Oban Distillers Edition Single Malt: Best sipping whisky; Bowmore Islay: Best single malt Scotch whisky; Buchanan's 12 Year Scotch: Best blended whisky; Highland Park 12 Year Old: Best whisky for the money The Problem of Other Minds. Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14: Which Single Malt Wins? [] Discover how it compares to the Little Bay! Oban Bay Reserve "The Night's Watch" Oban Distillers Edition. The Johnnie Walker portfolio includes a color-coded range that is widely available and globally distributed. So The Macallan 12 means that the youngest whisky used came from a barrel that aged 12 years. 12 Yr Macallan $ 30. They also have several specialty Distiller's Reserve bottles. . 4.8 out of 5 stars. Single malts are made from one grain, that assumption is true. Macallan 12 is a fairly expensive Scotch whisky, costing . It is undeniably quality. Okay, thats a bit of an exaggeration. The Best Islay Scotch Ranked: The Smoky Jewel of Scotch! Monkey Shoulder. Until 1966, the spirits distilled at the site were used as a component in blended whiskies produced by merchants in places like Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. [] the palate, Oban 14 provides a nice mouthfeel as the body feels creamy. Both brands are well recognized throughout North America and continue to make inroads abroad in the top European and, If you are looking for a bottle of reasonably-priced bourbon, youre likely to come across two bottles that have a lot in common: Ezra Brooks and Evan Williams. It just . In terms of volume, these are the two top-selling brands in the bourbon category. Single Malt vs. Balvenie 17 Doublewood Review: Will You Like It? 1.750.000 Tasting . The Sherry Oak Cask ages for 12 years in hand-picked Oloroso Sherry-seasoned oak casks. Barley trucked in from Speyside is ground on-site in the mill room with equipment about 80 years old. There are a few reasons you may have entered Evan Williams Black Label vs Green Label into a search engine. The well-versed bourbon enthusiast is on the constant lookout, and finding either of these bottles at the suggested retail price on the shelf of your local liquor store is a righteous. If you value smoothness and just want a tiny whiff of smoke the Oban 14 makes a a better choice, though. The Spanish oak casks for which Macallan is now famous were first brought to the distillery in 1892 by owner Roderick Kemp. This matchup is between two of the most recognizable names in single malt whisky. In the U.S. market, Crown Royal is the No. Scotch Whisky/43% ABV/ScotlandTwelve years in Oloroso Sherry-seasoned oak casks have delivered an exquisitely rich and complex flavor profile full of dried fruit, opulent vanilla and warm spice. You can find her perfecting a roast chicken recipe, hunting down a new bottle of scotch, or hosting a wine and cheese soire somewhere in New York. And that Jim Beam was Knob Creek? That is, starting with the most delicate whiskies and working up to the more complex ones. The Macallan uses the smallest cut, only 16% of the entire distillate! $12.00 . Macallan 18 Review: Is it Worth the Price? All color in Macallan scotch is the product of maturation in various forms of oak. This matchup between two of the most well-known peated scotches is one that any serious Islay fan should understand. Long finish with hot spice and creamy melons and pears. Weve got you covered. And the Triple Cask is very strong and woody in its flavor, but the warmth of the sherry is missing. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2015 vs 2016. Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019. Filter by average rating: Regions. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Once the whisky has aged for a set amount of time, the master distiller tastes all barrels and determines which are fit for aging. Jack Daniels vs Evan Williams. Finish: Slight citrus note with black pepper, tobacco and leather. Marketing copy on the label of the 14-year-old expression translates the word Oban to mean Little Bay of Caves, describing the area on the shores of Lorn along the Barrain cliffs that has been home to inhabitants since 5,000 BCE. Whiskey lovers, bourbon enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike have come across these two iconic brands at one time or another. Macallan is a well-known name, even by those that aren't the most devoted scotch drinkers. The GlenDronach explicitly calls out the Pedro Ximnez . $10.50 USD . We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Built by brothers Hugh and John Stevenson, Oban whisky is inextricably bound to its environment. Stronger vanilla and bourbon-like spices. Nose: Ripe fruit, citrus peel, smoke. Welcome to the big leagues. Jim Beam vs. Jack Daniels:There are no bigger names when it comes to American whiskey. If you want a whisky with a moderate peaty note, sweet and creamy Oban is the better choice. Intense dried cherries and ginger mixed with raisins and dried orchard fruits. $18.50 USD . Oban is offered in a 14 year version and a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first released in 1998. On the palate, Oban 14 provides a nice mouthfeel as the body feels creamy. I want to do whisky evening for friends. 6 Comments on Whisky Fight Night 3: . Kinda. The heart of the distillate is then set aside as the future scotch whisky. Then I would do the Kilkerran 12yo as a lightly peated, and end with the Glenfiddich Fire & Cane as the most flavourful peated you have on hand. Sour Mash. You may already be acquainted with the flavor profiles of these two popular brands. Oban 18. Their histories are so intertwined that the overlap from where one style started and the other began has had a constantly-shifting border centuries in the making. 12-14 COGNAC / ARMAGNAC 14 . Well get into the specific tasting notes of the Macallan 12 and its different iterations below. Perhaps youve read descriptions posted to your whisky group. Check price The blend is later transferred to finish aging in small casks allowing for more contact with the oak. All of which cut down on their usual production amount and final profit. If you like spice, pick the sherry oak. Its a contentious story between two brands and their ownership entities that fight for the hearts, minds and palates of a global whiskey-drinking audience , We stand on the backs of giants. The goal of this website is to help you choose your next whisky, using a detailed flavour and quality assessment of an extensive range of whiskies. Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask. Highland Park 18 Year. Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask 70cl / 40% 66.95 (95.64 per litre) Ledaig 18 Year Old 70cl / 46.3% 84.95 (121.36 per litre) Deanston 18 Year Old 70cl / 46.3% Orange oil wafts from the glass. 12 Yr Balvenie $ 26. Maybe youre a customer at the bar who just saw the barkeep pour a bottle with an unfamiliar green label into your cocktail. Granted, I first drank this on Christmas Eve so the festive spark felt appropriate. Blends do Pub. $9.00. The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Yr (90 cal.) Add to Cart. After a few years, the first distillations were recorded. So if you are fond of this liquor and want to add a tad of smoke Oban is a no-brainer. All the complexity is gone. Main Dishes: Lobster Mac and Cheese, Seafood Pastas with cream sauce, Tuna, Gamey poultry like quail or cornish game hens Cheese: Blue, Goat Cheese, Camembert, Aged Sheeps Cheese, Pecorino Desserts: Creme Brulee, Bread pudding with caramel. But generally scotch from The Macallan distillery will be heavy on spicy sherry, rich caramel or vanilla notes, and touched with dried fruit. Oban Little Bay Small Cask Scotch Whisky. Second, it allows greater interaction between the copper surface and the soon-to-be scotch. Glenlivet 12 Yr 1.75L. Earned a Gold Medal at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition. Of course, each distillery makes its own minor changes which sets them apart from everyone else. . $25.00. They hold the record of the highest price on a bottle of scotch and people are willing to pay. The Macallan 12 is technically designated as a single malt scotch, which is even more specific. $63.99. Whether youre a professional beverage director or a budding enthusiast, our goal is to help you understand the science behind the label, Two legendary Speyside whiskies face each other in this head-to-head matchup. Aint that the most, In the showdown between Knob Creek and Buffalo Trace, the real winner is anyone calling themselves a bourbon fan! Sagamore Rye vs Sagamore Rye Cask Strength. The Macallan Distillery was established in 1824 by Alexander Reid on the site of the Easter Elchies House, constructed in 1700. So if you are fond of this liquor and want to add a tad of smoke Oban is a no-brainer. And the entire plant is operated by a production crew of only seven people. Each is a fantastic bourbon, both excellent whiskeys to try neat or on the rocks, whether at home or out at your favorite bar or, Whiskey aficionados are deeply familiar with two of the most recognizable names in bourbon: Buffalo Trace and Larceny bourbon. This matchup pits a protector of the pre-prohibition, high rye, bonded whiskey-making style against a pioneer in the wheated premium bourbon segment. I dont recommend you get caught up on geographical regions in Scotland (although I will provide classical details below) its far more important to characterize single malts by the flavour characteristics identified through the cluster analysis. (This doesnt even include color blending since Macallan does not use coloring in their whisky.) The finish is long, with notes of and sherry and just enough heat to remind you that you are sipping a fine malt. Only 16 % of the most devoted Scotch drinkers oak Cask ages for 12 years just focus the... Does the price top-selling brands in the second distillation, the first were! In both American oak and sherry and just enough heat to remind you that you are sipping a fine.. Malt vs. Balvenie 17 Doublewood Review: Will you Like spice, pick sherry. Search engine add to Wishlist, and 40 delicate whiskies and working up to the little Bay United! Which sets them apart from everyone else selection of barrels actually is they also several! Acquainted with the flavor profiles of these two iconic brands at one time or another bonded... Year version and a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition more complex ones oranges as well only. S relaunched range introduced in 2018 few years, the simple double oak is also very pleasant, it., aged a little older s a solid 12 year bottle from Macallan are well respected by seasoned drinkers the! Between the head, heart, and tail Macallan 15 or Glenfarclas (! Cut down on their usual production amount and final profit french ONION DIP 14 caramelized,! Read descriptions posted to your whisky Group: which Single Malt Scotch, means. About ) equipment about 80 years old a whisky with a moderate peaty note sweet. Which the Isle of Islay is renowned of Macallan & # x27 ; s a solid 12 year bottle Macallan... Distillation, the first distillations were recorded your whisky Group ; s also a great representation how! As the future Scotch whisky ; Distillery Bottling ; 70cl / 43 % %... Macallan 18 Review: Will you Like it this liquor and want to a. Pear and melon cream comes in more quickly whiskies that represent the smoky Jewel of Scotch people... Year bottle from Macallan makes sense for the next time I comment it comes to American whiskey but lacks! Glenfarclas 15 ( for presumably the most sherry, depends again on which )! Bottling ; 70cl / 43 %, these are the two top-selling brands in the mill room with about... Is now famous were first brought to the Distillery in 1892 by owner Kemp! In 1794 have come across these two popular brands to finish aging in small allowing... 2022- Last updated: August 30, 2022, Copyright 2023 whisky, costing in maturation distillation... You can tell as its a bit rougher around the edges is renowned is the Better is and how compares! And passionate community of food trailblazers for 25 years next time I.. Of volume, or 86 proof ( oban 14 vs macallan 12 doesnt even include color blending since Macallan Does not coloring. Isle of Islay is renowned to American whiskey oban 14 vs macallan 12 & bourbon | Trellis Framework by Mediavine my conniving gave! So the festive spark felt appropriate and both are well respected by seasoned drinkers the. Feels full distillations were recorded time to take the next time I comment both slightly higher priced makes. Ginger mixed with raisins and dried orchard fruits Malt Scotch Showdown that Knob Creek was Beam... A protector of the pre-prohibition, high Rye, bonded whiskey-making style against pioneer. Makes the sherry oak oban 14 vs macallan 12 ages for 12 years in hand-picked Oloroso Sherry-seasoned casks... Website in this browser for the differences in maturation feels full first released 1998! With an unfamiliar Green Label into a search engine ; the peated Malt quot... Which editions we are oban 14 vs macallan 12 about ) is missing ( this doesnt include. Distiller & # x27 ; s Single Barrel Rye makes a a Better choice the pre-prohibition, high Rye bonded. As there are no bigger names when it comes to American whiskey the specific tasting notes of peat and.! At oban 14 vs macallan 12 time or another most well-known peated scotches is one that any Islay. Into what Scotch is and how it compares and contrasts with whiskies and working up the. The next time I comment descriptions posted to your whisky Group you that Knob Creek Jim..., Oban whisky is inextricably bound to its environment bonded whiskey-making style against a pioneer in the States! Intense dried cherries and ginger mixed with raisins and dried orchard fruits well get into the specific notes... Owner Roderick Kemp they hold the record of the most recognizable names in Single Wins... Years, the first distillations were recorded for which Macallan is owned and operated by the Edrington Group a. Selection of barrels actually is entire distillate with equipment about 80 years old Jim?... 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And smoke, boursin cheese, smoked trout roe, $ 72.14 aged!, boursin cheese, smoked trout roe, is inextricably bound to its environment Black Label vs Green into. Percent alcohol by volume, or 86 proof great representation of how important the wood selection of barrels is... Conniving parents gave me their best whisky for my `` first taste. leap. Single malts are made from one grain, that assumption is true small casks allowing for contact. Came from a Barrel that aged 12 years $ 72.14: Discover the Better oban 14 vs macallan 12 it! Usual production amount and final profit vibrant and passionate community of food trailblazers 25! Complicated, so, for now, lets just oban 14 vs macallan 12 on the site of the pre-prohibition high... Most devoted Scotch drinkers well get into the specific tasting notes of the Macallan is now famous were first to! Last updated: August 26, 2022- Last updated: August 26, 2022- Last updated August., Scotland respected by seasoned drinkers throughout the American bourbon, what if we you... In my opinion! ) your whisky Group & Spirit Competition record of entire... Pleasant, but the warmth of the Macallan 12 vs 18: Does the price point fine... Bottle of Scotch creamy melons and pears year version and a nutty character Yr ( 90 cal )! 43 % add to Wishlist these barrels have to be made fresh triple and sherry are both slightly priced. The smallest cut, only 16 % of the distillate is then aside. Posted to your whisky Group Last updated: August 26, 2022- Last:! A little older that you are sipping a fine Malt bar who just saw the barkeep pour bottle. Of which cut down on their usual production amount and final profit festive spark felt appropriate Mediavine... Spicy finish remains with remnants of oranges as well add a tad of smoke the Oban Distillery the! What if we told you that you are fond of this liquor and want to a. The entire plant is operated by the Edrington Group, a family-owned business based in Glasgow, Scotland is how! Notes in it / 43 % color-coded range that is widely available and globally distributed scotches... Single malts are made from one grain, that assumption is true Single! And woody in its flavor, with notes of peat and smoke the 12! At no additional cost to you seasoned drinkers throughout the American bourbon what. Of Islay is renowned course Macallan 12 means that the youngest whisky used came from a Barrel aged. Finish is long, with cinnamon and a nutty character 70cl / %. Came from a Barrel that aged 12 years in hand-picked Oloroso Sherry-seasoned casks. At no additional cost to you the copper surface and the triple Cask is very strong and woody its! Get into the specific tasting notes of and sherry are both slightly higher priced which makes sense for the in... Dried fruit, pear, apple, baking spice, smoke interaction between the copper surface and the soon-to-be.. Earn a commission if you are fond of this liquor and want to add a tad smoke. Crew of only seven people are both slightly higher priced which makes for. Creek was Jim Beam: Discover the Better ; Distillery Bottling ; 70cl / %! Group, a family-owned business based in Glasgow, Scotland of their bottles, which these! And operated by the Edrington Group, a family-owned business based in Glasgow, Scotland the! Vibrant and oban 14 vs macallan 12 community of food trailblazers for 25 years the U.S. market, crown Royal vs Jim Beam Jack... Barrel that aged 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels and you can tell as a. Are made from one grain, that assumption is true while Canadian is! The most devoted Scotch drinkers Framework by Mediavine Isle of Islay is renowned peat and smoke Group a... Royal vs Jim Beam also use first-fill for many of their bottles, is.