The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2024 Release) vs Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2024 Release)
The Macallan
£340
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Dalwhinnie
★ 5.00
£331
| The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2024 Release) | Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Dalwhinnie |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48.8% |
| Age | 18 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £339.99 | £331.43 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2024 Release)
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2024 Release)
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Quick verdict
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is better value at £331 vs £340.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2024 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2024 Release)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£339.99 vs £331.43)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£331.43 vs £339.99)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2024 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.
Who should buy Dalwhinnie?
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) 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
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2024 Release)
Only Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)