Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£999

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)
The Macallan
£799
| Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 | The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | The Macallan |
| Region | Island | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.1% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £999 | £799 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)
Quick verdict
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release) is better value at £799 vs £999.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£999 vs £799)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£799 vs £999)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 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
Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)
Where to buy
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange