The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak vs Brora 30 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
The Macallan
★ 4.80
£1500
Brora 30 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Brora
£2500
| The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak | Brora 30 Year Old (Special Release 2009) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Brora |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 53.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £2500 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | — |
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Brora 30 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Brora 30 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Quick verdict
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is better value at £1500 vs £2500.
For beginners: The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £2500)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Brora 30 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£2500 vs £1500)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Brora?
Brora 30 Year Old (Special Release 2009) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Only Brora 30 Year Old (Special Release 2009)