The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release) vs Balvenie 30 Year Old

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)Balvenie 30 Year Old
DistilleryThe MacallanBalvenie
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%44.2%
Age25 yr30 yr
Price£3500£3192.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value2/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balvenie 30 Year Old is better value at £3193 vs £3500.

For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£3500 vs £3192.95)

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£3192.95 vs £3500)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 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.

Who should buy Balvenie?

Balvenie 30 Year Old 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

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)

Vanilla

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

HoneyOld Wood

Explore more