Nightcap.
Looking Beyond Macallan: Three Whiskies Worth Trying
30-SECOND READ:
GlenDronach 12 Year Old — rich, sherried, full-bodied
Aberlour 12 Year Old — balanced, smooth, approachable
Scallywag Speyside Blended Malt — bold, chocolatey, full of character
If you’re a fan of The Macallan, you probably enjoy rich, sherry-driven whiskies with a smooth, luxurious feel. It’s an easy favourite to stick with. But the world of whisky is far bigger than one distillery, and staying in one lane means missing out on a lot of great experiences.
The good news is that branching out does not mean starting from scratch. There are whiskies out there that deliver a similar profile to Macallan, while offering their own distinct character. If you’re ready to explore, here are three solid options to start with.
GlenDronach 12 Year Old: The Easy All-Rounder
If sherry cask influence is what drew you to Macallan in the first place, this is your natural next step.
Matured in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks, GlenDronach 12 delivers a rich and indulgent profile: dried fruits, raisins, figs, and a gentle layer of spice. It leans slightly heavier and more robust than Macallan, which makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to dial up the intensity without losing that familiar sherry warmth.
It has also picked up a Gold award at the International Spirits Challenge, which reinforces what your palate will tell you anyway. This is a seriously good dram for the price.
Aberlour 12 Year Old: The Easy All-Rounder
Aberlour 12 takes a different approach by balancing both sherry and bourbon cask maturation.
The result is a whisky that is smooth, rounded, and very approachable. You will find notes of orchard fruits, honey, vanilla, and a touch of spice. It is complex enough to stay interesting, but never overwhelming.
It has earned a Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable, high-quality dram.
If you are looking for something versatile and easy to enjoy on a regular basis, this is a strong pick.
Scallywag Speyside Blended Malt: A Bit of Fun
Scallywag brings a different kind of energy to the table.
It is a small-batch blended malt from Douglas Laing & Co., combining whiskies from several Speyside distilleries, including Macallan, Mortlach, and Glenrothes. That blend gives it a familiar foundation, but with a more playful edge.
Flavour-wise, it leans into dark chocolate, dried fruit, and warming spice. It feels bolder and slightly less polished than the others, which is exactly what makes it interesting.
It has also picked up a Silver award at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
This is for drinkers who want something recognisable, but with more personality and character.
Bonus: Royal Brackla 12
If you want to keep exploring, Royal Brackla 12 is worth keeping on your radar.
Often referred to as the “King’s Own Whisky,” it offers an elegant profile with light fruitiness and a refined touch of sherry influence. It is more subtle than the others, but still very rewarding.
It has also received recognition at the International Spirits Challenge, so it is not just a hidden gem for the sake of it.
Final Thoughts
Moving beyond Macallan is not about replacing it. It is about expanding your palate and discovering what else is out there.
Each of these whiskies offers something different:
GlenDronach 12 gives you depth and richness
Aberlour 12 delivers balance and approachability
Scallywag adds personality and boldness
That is part of what makes whisky so enjoyable. There is always another layer to uncover, another bottle to try, and another story to experience.
Cheers to finding your next favourite dram.