BenRiach 38 Year Old 1976 (cask 541) - Bourbon Cask vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

BenRiach 38 Year Old 1976 (cask 541) - Bourbon CaskThe Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryBenriachThe Macallan
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%43%
Age38 yr18 yr
Price£459.07£399
Rating5.00/5

BenRiach 38 Year Old 1976 (cask 541) - Bourbon Cask

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

BenRiach 38 Year Old 1976 (cask 541) - Bourbon Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £459.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 38 Year Old 1976 (cask 541) - Bourbon Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (38 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£459.07 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £459.07)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy BenRiach?

BenRiach 38 Year Old 1976 (cask 541) - Bourbon Cask 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 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only BenRiach 38 Year Old 1976 (cask 541) - Bourbon Cask

SmokeyOld WoodLeathery

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SherriedVanillaToastedHoney

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