Cambus 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Cambus 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryCambusThe Macallan
RegionLowlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV53.5%43%
Age40 yr18 yr
Price£337.95£399
Rating5.00/5

Cambus 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Cambus 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cambus 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is better value at £338 vs £399.

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

Cambus 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£337.95 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 18 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £337.95)

Who should buy Cambus?

Cambus 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) 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 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

VanillaHoneyToasted

Only Cambus 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Old Wood

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

SherriedDried Fruit

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