Some whiskeys announce themselves with fanfare; others prefer a quieter entrance. Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels vs The Macallan 12 Year Old: Bourbon vs Scotch Showdown belongs firmly to the latter school.
Cross-category comparisons are always fun. Today we pit a Bourbon against a Scotch: Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels takes on The Macallan 12 Year Old in a battle that transcends regional tradition.
While these two whiskeys come from different worlds, comparing them reveals what makes each style unique and which might suit your palate better.
Specifications at a Glance
| Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels | The Macallan 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | plans to make for its eventual mainstays – and therefore it seems a little premature to judge – I find the taste in the | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Scotch |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 43% ABV in 750mL bottles | 40% ABV (80 proof), 43% ABV (86 proof in the Ameri |
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Rating | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Nose
Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels: As one might expect, the basis of this bouquet is the sweet, rich aroma of maple syrup. However, that sweetness doesn’t dominate the nose, as it’s tempered by strong notes of oak and cinnamon – adding a spicy and earthy dimension – with a touch of tangerine adding a bit of tartness.
The Macallan 12 Year Old: Oaky and hot right off the pour. Loads of oak and perfume reads as somewhat bitter at first, with notes reminiscent of an amaretto sour and a hint of spiced plums. The nose softens dramatically after a few minutes, settling into dark sherry and plum sweetness.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels: The first sip is rich, sweet, and fruity, reminiscent for me of caramel spread onto a red apple. Gradually, cinnamon and nutmeg work their way into the flavor and building into a moderately harsh roar on the tongue, while simultaneously shifting the sweet side of things closer to maple syrup or molasses.
The Macallan 12 Year Old: Sweet and full, but not overly complex. Lots of sherry, plums, powdered sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg give it a silky, round mouthfeel.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels: Swallowing sends a blast of cinnamon toward the top of the mouth while tingles slowly make their way of the sides. That gives way to a rich, sweet, and smoky molasses flavor that coats the tongue, with slight tingle throughout the mouth.
The Macallan 12 Year Old: The finish is quick, with a mild burn and a long, lingering presence of sweetness reminding me of iced cinnamon rolls.
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels takes the crown with a rating of 10/10 compared to The Macallan 12 Year Old's 8/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, The Macallan 12 Year Old is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of The Macallan 12 Year Old appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
- Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels – Full Review
- The Macallan 12 Year Old – Full Review
Final Reflections
Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels vs The Macallan 12 Year Old: Bourbon vs Scotch Showdown is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
