Arran 20 Year Old - Explorers Series Volume 1 - Brodick Bay vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Arran 20 Year Old - Explorers Series Volume 1 - Brodick BayThe Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryArranThe Macallan
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.8%43%
Age20 yr18 yr
Price£499£399
Rating5.00/5

Arran 20 Year Old - Explorers Series Volume 1 - Brodick Bay

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Arran 20 Year Old - Explorers Series Volume 1 - Brodick Bay

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £499.

For beginners: Arran 20 Year Old - Explorers Series Volume 1 - Brodick Bay is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Arran 20 Year Old - Explorers Series Volume 1 - Brodick Bay

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £499)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Arran?

Arran 20 Year Old - Explorers Series Volume 1 - Brodick Bay 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 The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedHoneyVanillaDried Fruit

Only Arran 20 Year Old - Explorers Series Volume 1 - Brodick Bay

Oily

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Toasted

Explore more