Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 vs The Macallan 12 Year Old: Rye vs Scotch Showdown arrives with the quiet confidence of a spirit that knows its own worth.
Cross-category comparisons are always fun. Today we pit a Rye against a Scotch: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 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
| Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 | The Macallan 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | is allocated these days | N/A |
| Type | Rye | Scotch |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 54.45% ABV) on average, sample bottle was 109 | 40% ABV (80 proof), 43% ABV (86 proof in the Ameri |
| Price | $120750.00 | N/A |
| Rating | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Nose
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023: Like a dessert, sweet aromas of candied pecans and cherries explode from the glass. After letting it breath I get that distinctive rye note. The alcohol is present but doesnt overpower the glass. I found hints of mint, char, and smoke hiding with rich oak. The sweet notes are still present but now a bit more caramel forward. Its a complex nose that doesnt overpower.
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
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023: A burst of rye spice comes forward with touches of mint we get the earthy tones famous to rye without stunning the senses. The mid palate has more of the sweet notes from the beginning. I found caramel, bananas foster, dark cherries, and a hint of licorice to round it out. The finish is long as the high proof clings to the palate. The spice comes back to blend with the sugars of the mid palate.
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
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023: Comments: 108.9 proof (54
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, Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 takes the crown with a rating of 9/10 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
Final Reflections
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 vs The Macallan 12 Year Old: Rye 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.
