The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 vs Brora 35 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

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

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018Brora 35 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
DistilleryThe MacallanBrora
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%48.1%
Age25 yr35 yr
Price£2750£3500
Rating4.91/5

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Brora 35 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Brora 35 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £3500.

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)
  • +More affordable (£2750 vs £3500)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Brora 35 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 25 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£3500 vs £2750)
  • 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 Brora?

Brora 35 Year Old (Special Release 2012) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SherriedDried FruitChocolateTobacco

Only Brora 35 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

SmokeyToastedLeatheryMedicinal

Explore more