Macallan 12 Years Old 110 Proof Sherry Oak

When classic Sherry Oak gains extra power

The Macallan 12 Years Old 110 Proof is a striking interpretation of the classic Sherry Oak 12 Years Old – created for those who desire The Macallan's character in a more intense and concentrated form. With an alcohol strength of a full 55%, the whisky appears fuller, more powerful, and richer in texture than the traditional 12-year-old edition. It is matured in predominantly sherry-seasoned European oak casks, which provide the characteristic combination of dried fruit, spices, dark chocolate, and deep oak sweetness. In the glass, it opens with sticky dates, cherry compote, cinnamon, cocoa, and dried orange, before the palate becomes more intense with sultanas, ginger, star anise, mandarin, and dark chocolate. 110 Proof is part of The Macallan's Sherry Oak Collection and demonstrates how a familiar classic can gain an entirely new dimension through a higher bottling strength.

Sherry & oak

The foundation for 110 Proof is The Macallan's robust and fruity new make spirit, which is produced in the distillery's characteristic small copper stills. These so-called "Curiously Small Stills" contribute to a full-bodied and concentrated spirit, which is subsequently allowed to develop through long-term cask maturation. The whisky is matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, primarily made of European oak, with a smaller element of American oak. The casks have first been used for sherry in Jerez de la Frontera, where the wood undergoes a long seasoning process before the casks are transported to Scotland. Here, they are filled with Macallan's new make spirit and aged for 12 years at The Macallan Estate in Speyside. The higher alcohol strength of 55% means that the whisky is bottled with less dilution and therefore retains a more concentrated texture and flavor intensity.

Deep & powerful

The nose is immediately rich and inviting with sticky dates, cherry compote, and warm cinnamon. This is followed by nuances of cocoa nibs and dried orange slices, which add both bitterness and freshness to the sweet fruit. On the palate, 110 Proof becomes truly intense. Rich European oak meets sultanas, candied ginger, star anise, and mandarin, while dark chocolate-covered espresso beans add a deep, roasted character. The high alcohol strength provides a dense and almost creamy experience with greater weight and warmth than the classic 12-year-old Sherry Oak. The finish is long and persistent with layers of dark treacle toffee, mocha, and sweet cinnamon. The combination of sherry, fruit, spices, oak, and chocolate makes the profile both powerful and complex.

Collector potential

The Macallan 110 Proof is an interesting extension of the Sherry Oak Collection because it takes the familiar 12-year-old style and presents it at a significantly higher alcohol strength. The expression was launched in 2025 and introduced to selected international markets and through global travel retail channels. This makes it different from the regular Sherry Oak 12 Years Old and gives it a special place among recent Macallan releases. For collectors, the combination of the Macallan name, the Sherry Oak profile, 55% ABV, and more selective distribution is interesting. As always with whisky as a collector's item, any potential future value depends on, among other things, the edition, packaging, the condition of the bottle, provenance, availability, and market demand.

Did you know?

110 Proof refers to the American proof scale, where the alcohol percentage is multiplied by two. 55% ABV therefore becomes 110 Proof. The classic British proof system was different and was based on a historical test of the spirit's strength. According to the traditional definition, 100 British Proof corresponds to approximately 57.1% ABV.

About The Sherry Oak Collection

The Sherry Oak Collection is one of The Macallan's most characteristic whisky series and is based on a consistent philosophy of allowing sherry-seasoned oak casks to be the dominant force in the whisky's development. The collection includes classic age expressions of 12, 18, 25, and 30 years, where each expression carries on the same basic style but develops greater depth and complexity through longer maturation. European oak in particular plays a central role and adds notes of dried fruit, spices, and darker oak tones. The casks are sherry-seasoned in Jerez de la Frontera before they are brought to Speyside and filled with The Macallan's robust and fruity new make spirit. Over many years of maturation, the whisky draws natural color and flavor from the wood. 110 Proof expands this classic series by preserving the familiar Sherry Oak DNA, but presenting it at a full 55% alcohol.