Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryBruichladdichThe Macallan
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%43%
Age18 yr18 yr
Price£358.95£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value14/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid) is better value at £359 vs £399.

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

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£358.95 vs £399)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £358.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

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

Sherried

Only Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

SmokeyCooked FruitLeatheryOld Wood

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

VanillaDried FruitToastedHoney

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