Brora 35 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2014) vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Brora 35 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2014)The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
DistilleryBroraThe Macallan
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.6%43%
Age35 yr25 yr
Price£3500£2750
Rating4.91/5

Brora 35 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2014)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Brora 35 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2014)

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 0.00).

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £3500.

For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Brora 35 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2014)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 25 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£3500 vs £2750)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 £3500)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Brora?

Brora 35 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2014) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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 WoodSherried

Only Brora 35 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2014)

SmokeyToastedLeathery

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

Dried FruitChocolateTobacco

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