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)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£600

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£499
| Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | The Macallan |
| Region | Campbeltown | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.2% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £599.95 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)
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
Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)
Where to buy
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2021 Release)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange