Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)

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

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)
DistillerySpringbankThe Macallan
RegionCampbeltownSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.2%43%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£599.95£499
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value8/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value10/100

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release) is better value at £499 vs £600.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £499)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £599.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryToastedMedicinal

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateVanilla

Where to buy

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)

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