Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint MagnusThe Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryHighland ParkThe Macallan
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55%43%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£299£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value17/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is better value at £299 vs £399.

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

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

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

HoneyToasted

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokeyMalt Extract

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

SherriedVanillaDried Fruit

Where to buy

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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