Macallan 12 Year Old Elegancia
100cl / 40%
£399.00
- Cask type: Sherry
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
- Chilfiltered: Yes
- Coloring: No
Tasting Notes
Fruity, with hints of chocolate, slightly nutty
Light, oranges, black tea, oak and marmalade notes
Medium, subtle sherry notes, caramel and apple, quite dry
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The definitively discontinued 12 Year Old single malt from Macallan's Fine Oak series, representing a pivotal moment in distillery history.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Macallan / Scotland, Speyside Single Malt |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Years Old / Not stated by the producer / Early 2000s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40.0% ABV / Not stated by the producer |
| Cask / Treatment | Sherry and Bourbon Cask Interplay (Fine Oak regime) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Implied added colour, as standard for the era) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No (Standard chill-filtration, as standard for the era) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (Discontinued line, fixed supply) |
| Intended channel | Premium Retail, Global |
| Packaging | Fine Oak line standard bottle, distinctive Fine Oak label |
| Notes on discrepancies | Valuation highly dependent on definitive discontinuation; bottle format standard for the time. |
Historical Context
The Macallan 12 Year Old Elegancia holds a unique place in the distillery's history as part of the Fine Oak series released in the early 2000s. This series marked a strategic, and initially controversial, shift by Macallan to incorporate American and European Bourbon barrels alongside their traditional Sherry Oak. The significance for collectors is its definitive discontinuation. The retirement of the Fine Oak line instantly transformed the remaining stock from a consumed product into a fixed, finite collectible asset, establishing an absolute scarcity that drives its premium valuation today. This asset's value is further amplified because its mixed initial market reception led to fewer bottles being hoarded, accelerating the scarcity curve post-discontinuation.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The Macallan 12 Elegancia is a 12 Year Old single malt standardized at 40.0% ABV. The crucial specification is the blend of Sherry and Bourbon cask influences from the Fine Oak regime, which resulted in a lighter, smoother profile than the pure Sherry expressions. This specific, unrepeatable taste profile is now highly sought after.
Documented variants
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40.0% ABV, standard bottle formats (likely 70cl/75cl/1L), bottled early 2000s for global retail.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40.0% | Standard | Global Retail | Fine Oak label, Early 2000s bottling | High (Absolute Scarcity Premium) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The bottle carries the standard Fine Oak label and is typically presented without a commemorative box, focusing authentication on the label integrity and fill level. The closure is generally a screw cap. Common mix-ups include confusing it with the contemporary Sherry Oak 12 Year Old. Authentication must confirm the Elegancia name and the Fine Oak branding on the label. Due to the high value, fill level and label condition are paramount.
Regulatory/terminology notes
Consistent with mass-market Scotch of the era, the product is not Natural Colour (E150a used) and is chill-filtered to ensure clarity and stability at 40.0% ABV.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
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Nose: Distinct Fine Oak profile, lighter and smoother than pure Sherry, with pronounced citrus, vanilla, and hints of lighter spice.
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Palate: Complex and notably smooth, characterized by the interplay of Bourbon vanilla and Sherry fruit, offering a refined and balanced experience.
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Finish: Clean and medium length, carrying residual light spice and oak warmth.
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With water: Not typically required due to the 40.0% ABV, but may further open up the delicate citrus notes.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
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Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. (Likely modest premium over standard Sherry Oak 12 at the time.)
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Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Not stated (Typically trades at a significant premium due to discontinuation.)
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Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Not stated. (Demonstrates a consistent premium over other Macallan 12 Year Olds from the same period.)
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Pricing stratification: Value is directly driven by the scarcity multiplier resulting from absolute discontinuation and the persistent Macallan Halo Effect.
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Liquidity & sourcing note: Offers reliable appreciation and medium liquidity due to high brand prestige, balancing high growth potential with a substantial audience.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Not stated | Recent | Sealed, Excellent Condition | Not stated | Value tied directly to fixed supply and brand cachet. |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Macallan is one of the world's most prestigious single malt distilleries, a key driver of the high-end collectible market. The brand's legacy and persistent demand ensure a high floor price for all its bottlings. The Elegancia represents a unique, discontinued flavour profile within this iconic portfolio.
Sourcing
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Target Formats/Eras: 40.0% ABV, Fine Oak Elegancia labeled bottle from the early 2000s bottling period.
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Red Flags to Avoid: Damage to the label or low fill levels, as condition is critical for discontinued, high-prestige Macallan releases.
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Condition Thresholds: Near-mint label and capsule condition, and a high fill level are essential for maximizing the scarcity premium.
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Margin/Velocity Expectations: Stable growth is expected, positioning it as a low-risk, high-certainty component for steady appreciation.
