Hennessy No.1 Cognac vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hennessy No.1 Cognac
Hennessy
£3500

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
The Macallan
★ 4.91
£2750
| Hennessy No.1 Cognac | The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hennessy | The Macallan |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 25 yr |
| Price | £3500 | £2750 |
| Rating | — | 4.91/5 |
Hennessy No.1 Cognac
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Hennessy No.1 Cognac
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Quick verdict
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £3500.
For beginners: Hennessy No.1 Cognac is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Hennessy No.1 Cognac
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£3500 vs £2750)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
- +More affordable (£2750 vs £3500)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Hennessy?
Hennessy No.1 Cognac 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.
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 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
Only Hennessy No.1 Cognac
Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018