Midleton Very Rare 1987 vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Midleton Very Rare 1987The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
DistilleryMidletonThe Macallan
RegionSpeyside
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS25 yr
Price£2999£2750
Rating3.00/54.91/5

Midleton Very Rare 1987

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value2/100

Midleton Very Rare 1987

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is rated higher (4.91 vs 3.00).

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £2999.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 1987 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 1987

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£2999 vs £2750)
  • Lower community rating (3.0 vs 4.9)

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2750 vs £2999)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 1987 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 The?

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 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

Old Wood

Only Midleton Very Rare 1987

VanillaHoneyMalt Extract

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SherriedDried FruitChocolateTobacco

Explore more