Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay WhiskyThe Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
DistilleryLaphroaigThe Macallan
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS25 yr
Price£3850£2750
Rating4.91/5

Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value2/100

Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £3850.

For beginners: Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£3850 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 £3850)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky 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

Dried FruitTobacco

Only Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalCitricHoney

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SherriedOld WoodChocolate

Explore more