Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£799
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
The Macallan
★ 4.80
£799
| Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 | The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | The Macallan |
| Region | Island | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 45.7% | 43% |
| Age | 25 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £799 | £799 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.80/5 |
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)
Quick verdict
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release) is better value at £799 vs £799.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 18 years)
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
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 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 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 Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2016 Release)