Balvenie 33 Year Old 1972 (cask 14811) vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 33 Year Old 1972 (cask 14811)
Balvenie
£2750
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
The Macallan
★ 4.91
£2750
| Balvenie 33 Year Old 1972 (cask 14811) | The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | The Macallan |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.3% | 43% |
| Age | 33 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £2750 | £2750 |
| Rating | — | 4.91/5 |
Balvenie 33 Year Old 1972 (cask 14811)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Balvenie 33 Year Old 1972 (cask 14811)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Quick verdict
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £2750.
For beginners: Balvenie 33 Year Old 1972 (cask 14811) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Balvenie 33 Year Old 1972 (cask 14811)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 25 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 33 Year Old 1972 (cask 14811) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 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 33 Year Old 1972 (cask 14811)
Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018