Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask
Balvenie
★ 4.00
£599
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£399
| Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask | The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | The Macallan |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Age | 17 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £599 | £399 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
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).
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)
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
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.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)