The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release) vs Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

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

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
DistilleryThe MacallanGlenfiddich
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£699£499
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner70/100
Value7/100

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value10/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is better value at £499 vs £699.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£699 vs £499)

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £699)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release) 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 Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve 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

Sherried

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

Dried FruitCitricToasted

Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

HoneyVanillaCooked FruitTobacco

Where to buy

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

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