Macallan 18 Year Old 1979 Gran Reserva vs Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Macallan 18 Year Old 1979 Gran Reserva
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£3999
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
Bladnoch
★ 5.00
£4995
| Macallan 18 Year Old 1979 Gran Reserva | Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Bladnoch |
| Region | Speyside | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 41.2% |
| Age | 18 yr | 29 yr |
| Price | £3999 | £4995 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Macallan 18 Year Old 1979 Gran Reserva
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
Macallan 18 Year Old 1979 Gran Reserva
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
Quick verdict
Macallan 18 Year Old 1979 Gran Reserva is better value at £3999 vs £4995.
For beginners: Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Macallan 18 Year Old 1979 Gran Reserva
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£3999 vs £4995)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 18 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£4995 vs £3999)
Who should buy Macallan?
Macallan 18 Year Old 1979 Gran Reserva suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Bladnoch?
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Macallan 18 Year Old 1979 Gran Reserva
Only Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release