The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak vs Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
The Macallan
★ 4.58
£799

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1
Tomatin
★ 5.00
£494
| The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak | Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Tomatin |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46% |
| Age | 18 yr | 36 yr |
| Price | £799 | £494.02 |
| Rating | 4.58/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1
Quick verdict
Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.58).
Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 is better value at £494 vs £799.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£799 vs £494.02)
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£494.02 vs £799)
- +Longer maturation (36 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak 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 Tomatin?
Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
Only Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1