Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release vs The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2023 Release)

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

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial ReleaseThe Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2023 Release)
DistilleryBladnochThe Macallan
RegionLowlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV41.2%43%
Age29 yr30 yr
Price£4995£3899
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2023 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value1/100

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2023 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2023 Release) is better value at £3899 vs £4995.

For beginners: Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£4995 vs £3899)

The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2023 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£3899 vs £4995)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 29 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release 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 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2023 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

SherriedOld WoodChocolate

Only Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Cooked FruitHoney

Only The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2023 Release)

Dried FruitTobacco

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