The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2023 Release vs Shirakawa 1958

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

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2023 ReleaseShirakawa 1958
DistilleryThe MacallanTakara Shuzo
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%49%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£29499£23495
Rating5.00/5

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2023 Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Shirakawa 1958

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2023 Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Shirakawa 1958

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Shirakawa 1958 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Shirakawa 1958 is better value at £23495 vs £29499.

For beginners: The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2023 Release is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2023 Release

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£29499 vs £23495)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Shirakawa 1958

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£23495 vs £29499)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2023 Release suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Shirakawa?

Shirakawa 1958 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2023 Release

SherriedChocolateDried FruitVanilla

Only Shirakawa 1958

SmokeyToastedLeatheryMedicinal

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