The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) vs Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask

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

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask
DistilleryThe MacallanBalvenie
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%43%
Age18 yr17 yr
Price£399£599
Rating5.00/54.00/5

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £599.

For beginners: Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

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 £599)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£599 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Balvenie?

Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask 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

SherriedVanillaHoney

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

Dried FruitToasted

Only Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask

Cooked FruitOld Wood

Explore more