Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryThe MacallanThe Macallan
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%43%
Age18 yr18 yr
Price£399£399
Rating5.00/5

Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)

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).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £399.

For beginners: Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Macallan?

Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 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

SherriedVanillaHoneyToasted

Only Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)

Old Wood

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

Dried Fruit

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