The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 vs The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)

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

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)
DistilleryThe MacallanThe Macallan
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%43%
Age25 yr30 yr
Price£2750£3555.5
Rating4.91/5

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)

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

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)

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 £3556.

For beginners: The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release) 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)
  • +More affordable (£2750 vs £3555.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£3555.5 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 The?

The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release) 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 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)

VanillaHoney

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