The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) vs SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979

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

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979
DistilleryThe MacallanDalwhinnie
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%53.4%
Age18 yr14 yr
Price£399£495
Rating5.00/5

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £495.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is more approachable (70/100 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 £495)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£495 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 SMWS?

SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

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

SherriedVanillaDried FruitToasted

Only SMWS 102.9 14 Year Old 1979

Malt ExtractOld WoodFresh Fruit

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