Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Secret Speyside CollectionThe Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)The Macallan
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.3%43%
Age30 yr18 yr
Price£505£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner60/100
Value10/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £505.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£505 vs £399)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £505)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Braes?

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection 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.

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 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

HoneyVanillaDried Fruit

Only Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection

Old WoodMalt Extract

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SherriedToasted

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