Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£2999
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
The Macallan
★ 4.91
£2750
| Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) | The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £2999 | £2750 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.91/5 |
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £2999.
For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£2999 vs £2750)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£2750 vs £2999)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) 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 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 Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)
Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018