If Macallan is your favorite, you’re already enjoying one of the finest examples of un-peated Scotch! Macallan’s hallmark richness and sherry-cask influence make it a standout. If you’re curious to explore other un-peated Scotches with similar or complementary profiles, here are some of the best options:
1. GlenDronach (Sherry-Cask Lovers)
- Why It’s Great: Known as the “sherry bomb” of Scotch, GlenDronach delivers rich, sweet, and complex flavors with heavy influence from Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
- Flavor Profile: Dark chocolate, dried fruits, nutmeg, and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Top Picks: GlenDronach 18-Year-Old “Allardice” or 15-Year-Old “Revival.”
2. Glenmorangie (Elegance in a Glass)
- Why It’s Great: Known for its light, floral, and citrusy character, Glenmorangie offers a distinctly elegant and smooth experience.
- Flavor Profile: Vanilla, orange blossoms, honey, and subtle almond notes.
- Top Picks: Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old or Glenmorangie Signet (a richer, chocolatey expression).
3. Glenfiddich (The Classic Choice)
- Why It’s Great: One of the world’s most recognized Speyside distilleries, Glenfiddich produces approachable, well-balanced un-peated whiskies.
- Flavor Profile: Green apples, pear, and a hint of oak with a creamy finish.
- Top Picks: Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old Solera Reserve or Glenfiddich 21-Year-Old Rum Cask Finish.
4. Aberlour (Sherry-Influenced but Unique)
- Why It’s Great: A distillery with deep roots in Speyside, Aberlour marries sherry sweetness with a touch of oak spice.
- Flavor Profile: Raisins, dark chocolate, toffee, and cinnamon.
- Top Picks: Aberlour A’Bunadh (cask strength) or Aberlour 16-Year-Old Double Cask.
5. Balvenie (Crafted with Care)
- Why It’s Great: Balvenie is known for its craftsmanship and nuanced approach to whisky-making. Each release has a story, often tied to unique cask finishes.
- Flavor Profile: Honey, malt, and soft fruits with a touch of spice.
- Top Picks: Balvenie DoubleWood 12-Year-Old or Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old (for a tropical twist).
6. Glenlivet (A Speyside Benchmark)
- Why It’s Great: The Glenlivet’s lighter, sweeter profile is a quintessential Speyside experience for those who love Macallan’s smoothness but seek more fruit-forward flavors.
- Flavor Profile: Citrus, apple, honey, and gentle floral notes.
- Top Picks: Glenlivet 18-Year-Old or Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso (cask strength).
7. Dalmore (Luxury in a Glass)
- Why It’s Great: Dalmore is synonymous with luxury, known for its rich sherry influence and elegant bottle design.
- Flavor Profile: Orange marmalade, dark chocolate, coffee, and spices.
- Top Picks: Dalmore 15-Year-Old or Dalmore King Alexander III.
8. Glengoyne (For Subtle Complexity)
- Why It’s Great: Glengoyne dries its barley using warm air instead of peat, ensuring a gentle, un-smoked character that lets its natural flavors shine.
- Flavor Profile: Fresh orchard fruits, caramel, and almonds.
- Top Picks: Glengoyne 18-Year-Old or Glengoyne Cask Strength.
Exploring Beyond Macallan
If you love Macallan’s rich and luxurious character, focus on whiskies that emphasize sherry-cask maturation or have complex, fruity profiles. Aberlour, GlenDronach, and Dalmore, in particular, are fantastic alternatives that offer a similar sense of indulgence with their own unique spins.
Enjoy your journey into un-peated Scotch—sláinte! 🥃