The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 vs The Macallan 18 Year Old 1973

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

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018The Macallan 18 Year Old 1973
DistilleryThe MacallanThe Macallan
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%43%
Age25 yr18 yr
Price£2750£2500
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 1973

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

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1973

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 1973 is better value at £2500 vs £2750.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old 1973 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 £2500)

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1973

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£2500 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 1973 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 1973

VanillaHoney

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