The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 vs Clynelish 24 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

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

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018Clynelish 24 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
DistilleryThe MacallanClynelish
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%61.3%
Age25 yr24 yr
Price£2750£2500
Rating4.91/5

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Clynelish 24 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 24 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Clynelish 24 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 24 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£2750 vs £2500)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Clynelish 24 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£2500 vs £2750)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (61.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Clynelish?

Clynelish 24 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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

Old Wood

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SherriedDried FruitChocolateTobacco

Only Clynelish 24 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

SmokeyLeatheryHoneyToasted

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