The Macallan 18 Year Old 1986 Sherry Oak vs Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1986 Sherry Oak
The Macallan
£2500
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Karuizawa
★ 4.67
£1500
| The Macallan 18 Year Old 1986 Sherry Oak | Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Karuizawa |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 55% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £2500 | £1500 |
| Rating | — | 4.67/5 |
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1986 Sherry Oak
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1986 Sherry Oak
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Quick verdict
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% is better value at £1500 vs £2500.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old 1986 Sherry Oak is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1986 Sherry Oak
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2500 vs £1500)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £2500)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1986 Sherry Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Karuizawa?
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old 1986 Sherry Oak
Only Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%