Talisker 30 Year Old vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2017 Release)

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

Talisker 30 Year OldThe Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2017 Release)
DistilleryTaliskerThe Macallan
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%43%
Age30 yr18 yr
Price£829.95£799
Rating5.00/54.67/5

Talisker 30 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value6/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2017 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner70/100
Value6/100

Talisker 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2017 Release) is better value at £799 vs £830.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2017 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Talisker 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£829.95 vs £799)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2017 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£799 vs £829.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Talisker?

Talisker 30 Year Old 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 (2017 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

Old Wood

Only Talisker 30 Year Old

SmokeyFresh FruitOilyLeathery

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2017 Release)

SherriedDried FruitCooked Fruit

Where to buy

Talisker 30 Year Old

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2017 Release)

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