Hakushu 18 Year Old vs Macallan 24 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

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

Hakushu 18 Year OldMacallan 24 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
DistilleryHakushuThe Macallan
RegionSpeyside
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%47.7%
Age18 yr24 yr
Price£620.5£999.95
Rating4.38/5

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner55/100
Value7/100

Macallan 24 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Hakushu 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macallan 24 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hakushu 18 Year Old is rated higher (4.38 vs 0.00).

Hakushu 18 Year Old is better value at £621 vs £1000.

For beginners: Macallan 24 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.4/5)
  • +More affordable (£620.5 vs £999.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Macallan 24 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£999.95 vs £620.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.4)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Hakushu?

Hakushu 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Macallan?

Macallan 24 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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.

Tasting notes

Only Hakushu 18 Year Old

FragantMalt ExtractFresh FruitSmokeyGreen-House

Only Macallan 24 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SherriedVanillaDried FruitOld WoodHoney

Explore more