Updated August 2026.
The Macallan is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky from Easter Elchies, owned by Edrington. It is whisky, not bourbon. Scotch needs three years in oak in Scotland; a 12-year statement means the youngest whisky is 12. US Sherry Oak 12 listings commonly print 43% ABV / 86 proof; some markets and some Macallan 12s print 40%. Read the neck. A 1.5-ounce 43% pour is 1.08 NIAAA standard drinks.
Double Cask and Sherry Oak are different cask recipes, not different proofs by law. The 110-proof / 55% Sherry Oak 12 is a separate SKU (2026 boutique/trade), not the grocery 12. We will not reprint a 2021 price list. Related: Scotch vs bourbon, Johnnie Walker.
12-year family (read the neck)
| SKU | Typical US ABV | 1.5 oz drinks | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherry Oak 12 | Often 43% US; 40% in some markets | 1.08 if 43% | European-oak sherry casks (brand) |
| Double Cask 12 | Often 43% US — confirm | 1.08 if 43% | American + European oak sherry casks |
| Sherry Oak 12 “110 Proof” | 55% | 1.38 | Separate SKU, not the standard 12 |
| 18-year and older | Label | Do the math | Age is the youngest whisky |
A 750 mL 43% bottle is about 18.2 standard drinks. Four 1.5-ounce 43% pours are 4.3 drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Natural color is a brand claim on some SKUs, not a TTB calorie line. Pour math: whiskey drinks. Calories: Scotch calories.
Sources
- Edrington / The Macallan: Speyside single malt; Sherry Oak / Double Cask cask story.
- US trade listings (e.g. Total Wine) Sherry Oak 12 at 43%. Market 40% exists.
- UK Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009. NIAAA standard drink (December 2025). No invented MSRP.