Bowmore 25 Year Old vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 25 Year Old
Bowmore
★ 5.00
£403

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
The Macallan
★ 3.00
£499
| Bowmore 25 Year Old | The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Age | 25 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £402.5 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.00/5 |
Bowmore 25 Year Old
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Bowmore 25 Year Old
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Quick verdict
Bowmore 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
Bowmore 25 Year Old is better value at £403 vs £499.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 25 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£402.5 vs £499)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£499 vs £402.5)
- −Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 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
Only Bowmore 25 Year Old
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)