Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner vs Storyman Blended Scotch Whisky

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

Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient MarinerStoryman Blended Scotch Whisky
DistilleryMacduffAnnandale
RegionHighlandLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV46.1%46%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£55.99£46.95
Rating3.33/55.00/5

Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value60/100

Storyman Blended Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner70/100
Value100/100

Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Storyman Blended Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Storyman Blended Scotch Whisky is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.33).

Storyman Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £47 vs £56.

For beginners: Storyman Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£55.99 vs £46.95)
  • Lower community rating (3.3 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Storyman Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Macduff?

Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Storyman?

Storyman Blended Scotch Whisky 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Macduff 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 5852) - Ancient Mariner

Old WoodNuttyDried Fruit

Only Storyman Blended Scotch Whisky

Fresh FruitSmokeyVanilla

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