Shirakawa 1958 vs The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2020 Release

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

Shirakawa 1958The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2020 Release
DistilleryTakara ShuzoThe Macallan
RegionSpeyside
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49%48.1%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£23495£20000
Rating5.00/5

Shirakawa 1958

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2020 Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Shirakawa 1958

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2020 Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Shirakawa 1958 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2020 Release is better value at £20000 vs £23495.

For beginners: The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2020 Release is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Shirakawa 1958

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£23495 vs £20000)

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2020 Release

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£20000 vs £23495)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Shirakawa?

Shirakawa 1958 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 The?

The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2020 Release 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Shirakawa 1958

SmokeyToastedLeatheryMedicinal

Only The Macallan 40 Year Old - The Red Collection 2020 Release

SherriedDried FruitVanillaChocolate

Explore more