Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:43 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Uncover the distinctions between Aberlour 18 and Macallan 18 through this comprehensive comparison, allowing you to determine which Single Malt suits your preferences best!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Aberlour 18 vs Macallan 18: Comparison
Aberlour 18: Showcases sweet caramel and fruity notes with a balanced oak finish. A light body with an approachable, warming character.
Macallan 18 Double Cask: Offers a smooth blend of sherry, honey, and oak with a creamy texture. Complex yet accessible, with a natural color.
Verdict: Both Aberlour 18 and Macallan 18 Double Cask exemplify the elegance of Speyside whiskies, each presenting a unique take on sweetness, smoothness. Aberlour is notable for its approachable charm, while Macallan stands out for its luxurious depth and craftsmanship, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Alternatives to Macallan 18
Aberlour 18: A Speyside Single Malt with Sweet Charm
- Nose: Caramel, raisins, honey, vanilla
- Palate: Apple, orange, raisin, chocolate
- Finish: Medium, caramel, oak, sherry
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Aberlour 16
The Aberlour 18 Year Old is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky known for its sweetness and pleasant drinkability.
Aromatic Allure: The nose is greeted by a wave of sweetness, offering enticing aromas of caramel, honey, vanilla, and raisin.
Fruity Delight: The initial taste reveals a light body, with fruity notes of apple and orange taking center stage. Hints of raisin, chocolate, and vanilla emerge alongside a subtle touch of oak, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
Warming Finish: The Aberlour 18 boasts a finish of moderate length, leaving a delightful aftertaste of caramel, oak, and a touch of sherry with a gentle warming sensation.
A Refined Choice: While not the most robust option, the Aberlour 18 impresses with its elegant character. The whisky offers a delightful sweetness perfectly complemented by a touch of warmth, a signature characteristic of Speyside Scotch.
Value Proposition: This 18-year-old whisky might not be the most budget-friendly, but it delivers a pleasant drinking experience. Its balance and sweetness make it a solid choice within the aged Speyside category.
Crafted with Tradition: The Aberlour 18 matures in a combination of used bourbon barrels and Spanish oak casks that previously held Oloroso sherry, contributing to its rich flavor profile. It’s worth noting that caramel coloring is used to achieve a consistent appearance.
Award-Winning Whisky: The Aberlour 18 has received recognition from prestigious competitions, earning a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2011 and 2012, and a high score of 91 points from Whisky Advocate.
Speyside Legacy: The Aberlour distillery resides in Speyside, Scotland, at the confluence of the Lour Burn and River Spey, near the majestic Ben Rinnes mountain. Since 1975, it has been part of Pernod Ricard, a renowned drinks company.
Macallan 18 Double Cask: A Speyside Delight
- Nose: Dried fruit, nuts, orange, ginger
- Palate: Sherry, honey, vanilla, oak
- Finish: Medium, oak, sherry
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 18
The Macallan 18 Double Cask is a well-aged Speyside single malt Scotch whisky known for its smooth character and intriguing complexity.
Aromatic Allure: Take a whiff and discover inviting aromas of dried fruits like raisins and apricots, toasted nuts for a hint of richness, and a touch of zesty orange for a refreshing lift. Ginger adds a subtle warming spice note.
Delicious Depth: The first sip unfolds on the palate with a luxuriously creamy texture. Flavors of rich sherry and sweet honey take center stage, beautifully complemented by hints of vanilla and subtle oak for a well-rounded taste profile.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is satisfyingly smooth, with lingering oaky notes and a touch of sherry that leaves a pleasant warmth on the tongue.
A Delightful Dram: The Macallan 18 Double Cask is a fantastic choice for those seeking a smooth and easy-drinking Scotch. The absence of strong peat, smoke, or medicinal notes makes it approachable for a wide range of palates.
Crafted for Complexity: This 18-year-old whisky is matured in a unique combination of American and European oak casks, some of which are seasoned with sherry. This innovative cask maturation process contributes to the whisky’s depth of flavor and its signature smooth character.
Natural Beauty: The Macallan 18 boasts a beautiful natural color, achieved without the use of caramel coloring.
Looking for more Speyside options? Explore other brands like Highland Park and Glenrothes, both owned by the Edrington Group alongside The Macallan and the Famous Grouse.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 18 | $160 |
| Macallan 18 | $400 |