World Whiskey Society 12 Year Bourbon Finished In Ex-Macallan Cask
Experience an unprecedented fusion of Kentucky craftsmanship and Scottish legend with the World Whiskey Society 12 Year Bourbon, exquisitely finished in a 33-Year-Old ex-Macallan Cask. This ultra-rare release, with only 250 bottles produced worldwide, represents the pinnacle of creative cask finishing and is a must-have for any serious whiskey collector. For those seeking the truly unique, this exceptional bourbon is available through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
This extraordinary spirit began its life as a classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, distilled from a mash bill of 78% Corn, 13% Rye, and 9% Malted Barley—rumored to have originated at the famed Jim Beam distillery. After aging patiently for 12 years in new American oak, this mature bourbon was transferred into a remarkable vessel: a European oak cask that previously held The Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whisky for 33 years. This final finishing period marries the bold character of Kentucky bourbon with the sophisticated, sherry-forward elegance of one of Scotland's most iconic distilleries.
Key Specifications:
Product: World Whiskey Society 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finish: Finished in a 33-Year-Old Ex-Macallan Sherry Cask
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 13% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
Distillation: Kentucky (Rumored: Jim Beam)
Proof | ABV: 104 Proof | 52% ABV
Age: 12 Years
Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered
Availability: Extremely Limited - Only 250 Bottles Produced
Brand History: The Art of Independent Bottling
The World Whiskey Society (WWS) is a premier independent bottler, renowned for sourcing rare and exceptional barrels of whiskey from acclaimed distilleries around the globe.Their philosophy is to discover unique casks and elevate them through creative maturation and finishing techniques, offering whiskey lovers one-of-a-kind expressions they wouldn't find anywhere else. By not being tied to a single distillery's profile, WWS has the freedom to experiment, as perfectly demonstrated by this ambitious Kentucky-meets-Speyside release.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Bourbon and Scotch
The influence of the 33-year-old ex-Macallan sherry cask on a 12-year-old Kentucky bourbon creates a stunningly complex and layered tasting experience:
Nose: A rich and decadent bouquet. Classic bourbon notes of caramel and vanilla are elegantly interwoven with the sherry cask's influence of dried fruits—figs, raisins, and dark cherry—along with hints of leather, orange peel, and subtle baking spices.
Palate: A full-bodied and velvety mouthfeel. The initial sweetness of corn and toffee transitions into a complex mid-palate of rich dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and complex oak. The rye spice provides a beautiful counterpoint to the sweet, nutty, and fruity notes imparted by the decades-old sherry cask.
Finish: An exceptionally long and evolving finish. The warmth of the bourbon lingers with notes of sweet tobacco, aged oak, and a final whisper of the sherry sweetness, creating a memorable and sophisticated conclusion.
Why This Bourbon is a Grail for Collectors:
Extremely Rare: With only 250 bottles ever produced, this is one of the most limited releases you will find.
Unprecedented Cask Finish: The use of a cask that held The Macallan for 33 years is an incredibly rare and luxurious finishing choice, creating a truly unique flavor profile.
A Tale of Two Worlds: This bottle masterfully combines the bold, sweet character of Kentucky bourbon with the elegant, sherry-forward sophistication of a world-class Speyside Scotch.
Non-Chill Filtered: Bottled at 104 proof without chill-filtration to preserve the original flavors, aromas, and rich texture developed during its long maturation and finishing.
The Ultimate "What If": This is a dream scenario for whiskey lovers, answering the question of what happens when two iconic whiskey styles meet in a single bottle.
This World Whiskey Society release is more than a bourbon; it's a conversation piece, a collector's trophy, and a remarkable tasting experience that bridges continents. Contact Nestor Liquor today to inquire about securing a bottle of this exceptionally rare whiskey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is an "independent bottler"?
A: An independent bottler, like World Whiskey Society, does not distill their own whiskey. Instead, they purchase barrels of whiskey from various distilleries and then age, finish, and bottle it under their own brand. This allows them to create unique and experimental releases that the original distilleries might not.
Q: What is the significance of an Ex-Macallan cask?
A: The Macallan is one of the world's most famous and respected single malt Scotch whiskies, known for its use of high-quality sherry-seasoned oak casks. A cask that has aged such a whisky for 33 years will have absorbed decades of complex, sherry-forward, and mature oak flavors, which it then imparts to the bourbon during the finishing period.
Q: How can you tell this is from Jim Beam?
A: While independent bottlers often cannot disclose their source due to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), the mash bill of 78% Corn, 13% Rye, and 9% Malted Barley is very similar to the known mash bill for bourbons produced at the Jim Beam distillery. This has led industry experts to speculate it is the likely source.
Q: What does "Non-Chill Filtered" mean?
A: This means the bourbon has not been cooled and finely filtered before bottling. Skipping this process allows natural fatty acids, oils, and esters to remain in the whiskey, which contributes to a richer mouthfeel and more robust flavor. The whiskey may appear slightly cloudy if chilled, which is perfectly normal.
Q: Is this bourbon worth its high price?
A: For serious collectors and enthusiasts, the value is driven by extreme rarity (only 250 bottles), the age of the bourbon, and the unprecedented nature of the 33-year-old ex-Macallan cask finish. It's a "unicorn" bottle for those who prize unique and limited spirits.
Q: Where can I purchase this World Whiskey Society bourbon?
A: This is an extremely rare and allocated release. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability.