The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release) vs Yamazaki 1984

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

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)Yamazaki 1984
DistilleryThe MacallanYamazaki
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%48%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£799£899.95
Rating5.00/5

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release) is better value at £799 vs £900.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£799 vs £899.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£899.95 vs £799)

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 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.

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedVanilla

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2018 Release)

ChocolateDried Fruit

Only Yamazaki 1984

Old WoodToastedNutty

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