The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 vs Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
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
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£2999
| The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 25 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £2750 | £2999 |
| Rating | 4.91/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £2999.
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 affordable (£2750 vs £2999)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£2999 vs £2750)
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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) 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 Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)