The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) vs Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

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

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017
DistilleryThe MacallanLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%56.1%
Age18 yr16 yr
Price£399£299
Rating5.00/5

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017 is better value at £299 vs £399.

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)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 16 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017 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

SherriedDried Fruit

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

VanillaToastedHoney

Only Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

SmokeyChocolate

Where to buy

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

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