The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak vs Yoichi 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
The Macallan
★ 4.80
£1500
Yoichi 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Yoichi
★ 5.00
£1695
| The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak | Yoichi 20 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Yoichi |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 52% |
| Age | 21 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £1695 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Yoichi 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Yoichi 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Quick verdict
Yoichi 20 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is better value at £1500 vs £1695.
For beginners: The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £1695)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Yoichi 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1695 vs £1500)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Yoichi?
Yoichi 20 Year Old (Old Bottling) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Only Yoichi 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)