Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2020 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£399
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2020 Release)
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£499
| Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) | The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2020 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.9% | 43% |
| Age | 25 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £399 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2020 Release)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2020 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is better value at £399 vs £499.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2020 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2020 Release)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£499 vs £399)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) 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 Sherry Oak (2020 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2020 Release)