Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak: How to Identify the Generation of Old Bottles Distributed in Japan

The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. The bottle design was particularly revamped in the 2000s, but at the same time, the quality and character of the whiskey also changed significantly. As the Macallan's whiskey character tends to become milder (or thinner) over the years, enthusiasts are increasingly seeking out Macallans that are even one year older. However, designs from the 2000s onward appear very similar at first glance, making it difficult to determine the exact distribution period. Therefore, we introduce a highly reliable five-generation method for identifying the age of a bottle that was officially distributed in Japan by checking the name of the importer (Suntory) on the back label and subtle design differences.

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[1st generation] Circulated from around 2002 to 2004: The beginning of the previous generation

• Importer: Suntory Ltd.（サントリー株式会社）
• Notable designs:

1. The word "Sherry Oak" is written in cursive at the bottom of the surface label.
2. There is a "12" watermark on the back label.

• Description: This is an early model made shortly after the transition to the current design in the 2000s. Not only does it retain the company name, the former "Suntory Ltd.", but the bottle also features luxurious details that evoke the 1990s. This is a "treasured" bottle from the era when the Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak was the richest and most intense of all five generations that have been in circulation since 2000.

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[Second generation] Circa 2004 to 2006: Transition period for the previous model

• Importer: Suntory Ltd.（サントリー株式会社）
• Notable designs:

1. The cursive writing (Sherry Oak) on the front label will remain.
2. The watermark "12" on the front has disappeared.
   

• Commentary: The company name remains "Suntory Ltd.", but this model was produced for a short period of time before the "12" watermark on the surface disappeared. While not as strong as the first generation, it still uses a strong, rich malt, and offers a rich sherry flavor that sets it apart from current products.

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[Third Generation] Around 2006 to March 2009 Distribution: Final company name notation `Suntory Ltd`. 

• Importer: Suntory Ltd.（サントリー株式会社）
• Notable designs:

1. The cursive writing (Sherry Oak) on the surface label has disappeared.
2. The watermark "12" on the front has also disappeared.
   

• Commentary: The company name remains "Suntory Ltd.", but this is the period when the label decoration was simplified. The flavor may feel a little weaker than the second generation, but compared to the current product, it still uses very strong, rich liquor, and this generation still offers a rich sherry flavor.

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[4th generation] Around April 2009 to around December 2014 Distribution: Suntory Liquors Ltd. Beginning of the name

• Importer's name: Suntory Liquors Limited（サントリー酒類（株））
• Description: With the transition to a holding company system (establishment of Suntory Holdings) on April 1, 2009, the domestic alcoholic beverage business was taken over by Suntory Liquors Limited. The importer name on the label was also changed accordingly. This company name is the key to proving that the bottle was produced around the early 2010s. By this time, the flavor tends to be even lighter (or lighter) than the third generation, but this generation still offers a rich sherry flavor.

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[5th generation] January 2015 to circa 2017: The last of the old model, the beginning of the Suntory Spirits Ltd. label

• Importer: Suntory Spirits Ltd.（サントリースピリッツ（株））
• Description: Due to a reorganization effective January 1, 2015, the distilled spirits division, including whisky, was renamed "Suntory Spirits Limited." Many of the bottles currently widely seen on the market bear this name. From this time on, the flavor tends to be much lighter (or lighter), but it still offers a more elegant and rich sherry flavor than the current product.

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Summary and points to note

• This rule does not apply to all older Macallan whiskies, as parallel imports and secondary distribution via other importers are also available in Japan. However, for whiskies officially imported by Suntory, it is possible to estimate the bottling date with a high degree of accuracy by tracing this "company name change x design difference." Please use this as a powerful guide to finding "sherry oak from a richer era, even if it's just one year older." Personally, I recommend sticking to the fourth generation.