The Balvenie 40 Year Old vs The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

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

The Balvenie 40 Year OldThe Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)
DistilleryBalvenieThe Macallan
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV42.2%43%
Age40 yr30 yr
Price£7225£5999
Rating4.80/5

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness78/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Balvenie 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release) is better value at £5999 vs £7225.

For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.8/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£7225 vs £5999)

The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£5999 vs £7225)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)

Who should buy The?

The Balvenie 40 Year Old 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 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 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

VanillaSherriedHoney

Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old

Old Wood

Only The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak (2019 Release)

ChocolateDried Fruit

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