Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017 vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryLagavulinThe Macallan
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.1%43%
Age16 yr18 yr
Price£299£399
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017 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).

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 16 years)

Cons

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

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017 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

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

SmokeyChocolate

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

VanillaToastedHoney

Where to buy

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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