The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 vs Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
The Macallan
★ 4.91
£2750

Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£2500
| The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 54.6% |
| Age | 25 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £2750 | £2500 |
| Rating | 4.91/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Quick verdict
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) is better value at £2500 vs £2750.
For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2750 vs £2500)
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£2500 vs £2750)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 25 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
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 Talisker?
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) 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
Both taste of
Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Only Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)