Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Glenfarclas
★ 5.00
£633

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
The Macallan
★ 4.80
£799
| Glenfarclas 30 Year Old | The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | The Macallan |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £632.95 | £799 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.80/5 |
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is better value at £633 vs £799.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£632.95 vs £799)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£799 vs £632.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 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 Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
Where to buy
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange