The Macallan Double Cask 18 Year Old takes sherried Speyside single malt Scotch down a sweeter, warmer road, maturing a full 18 years in sherry-seasoned oak from two continents. American oak casks hand over vanilla and toffee; European oak answers with subtle spice every cask seasoned with sherry before the spirit goes in. The whisky pours amber honey and reads like dessert with restraint: treacle toffee and sultanas up front, sweet ginger and nutmeg behind, then a long, gently spiced fade. Bottled at 86 proof, the malt stays composed neat or with a few drops of water. Pour the Double Cask for guests who find a heavily sherried dram too muscular this is the graceful sibling.