The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 vs The Macallan 18 Year Old 1987 Sherry Oak

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

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018The Macallan 18 Year Old 1987 Sherry Oak
DistilleryThe MacallanThe Macallan
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%43%
Age25 yr18 yr
Price£2750£2250
Rating4.91/5

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1987 Sherry Oak

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1987 Sherry Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1987 Sherry Oak is better value at £2250 vs £2750.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old 1987 Sherry Oak is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

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)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£2750 vs £2250)

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1987 Sherry Oak

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£2250 vs £2750)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

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.

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1987 Sherry Oak is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld WoodDried Fruit

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

ChocolateTobacco

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old 1987 Sherry Oak

HoneyVanilla

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