Balvenie 17 vs Macallan 18

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:39 am

Compare Balvenie 17 and Macallan 18 to find your ideal Single Malt!

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

Balvenie 17 vs Macallan 18: Comparison

Balvenie DoubleWood 17: Features vanilla, dried fruit, and a pleasant oaky sweetness. Smooth, with a two-step aging process for extra depth. A tribute to tradition and craftsmanship.

Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: Luxurious, with rich dried fruits and spices. Exclusively aged in sherry casks for complexity and smoothness. A sophisticated choice with a legacy of excellence.

Verdict: Both Balvenie DoubleWood 17 and Macallan 18 Sherry Oak offer premium whisky experiences. Balvenie appeals with its smoothness and sweet oak character, while Macallan impresses with luxurious depth and complexity. Each represents the pinnacle of Speyside craftsmanship, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate refinement and character in their whisky, states Scotch expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Premium Single Malt Whisky Best Picks

Balvenie DoubleWood 17: A Smooth Speyside Single Malt with Rich Oak Character

• Similar to: Balvenie 12

The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 year old is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky known for its signature sweet oak character and smooth taste profile.

What to expect:

• Nose: An inviting aroma unfolds with notes of vanilla, dried fruit, honey, and hints of caramel.
• Palate: The whisky delivers a pleasant and oily mouthfeel, showcasing a combination of flavors including spice, toasted oak, cereal, toffee, honey, cinnamon, banana, and walnuts.
• Long and satisfying finish: The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 concludes with a long and sweet finish, featuring lingering oaky notes.

More about the Balvenie 17:

• Double Maturation: This expression gets its unique flavor profile from a two-step aging process. After spending 17 years in traditional American oak barrels, it undergoes an additional 6-12 months of finishing in ex-sherry casks, contributing a touch of sweetness and complexity.
• A Celebration of Tradition: The Balvenie 17 was released in 2012 to celebrate Master Blender David Stewart’s 50th anniversary with the distillery. Balvenie remains one of the few distilleries that continues the traditional practice of floor-malting their own barley.
• Smooth and Sweet: While not the most complex single malt, the Balvenie DoubleWood 17 offers a remarkably smooth and enjoyable drinking experience, particularly for those who appreciate a sweeter oak influence.

Is Balvenie DoubleWood 17 right for you?

If you’re looking for a Speyside whisky with a rich oak character, balanced sweetness, and a smooth and easy-drinking experience, the Balvenie DoubleWood 17 is a great choice. While the price might seem a touch high for its flavor profile, those who enjoy a more prominent oak note will find this whisky satisfying.

Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: A Luxurious Speyside Single Malt

• Similar to: Macallan 12 Sherry Oak

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky renowned for its complexity, depth of flavor, and luxurious smooth finish. Matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned casks from Jerez, Spain, this whisky delivers a truly exceptional drinking experience.

Aromatic Delights:

• Rich and enticing: The nose opens with a captivating blend of dates, dried fruits, raisins, and hints of oak, cinnamon, and clove.

Tasting Experience:

• Creamy and full-bodied: The Macallan 18 boasts a luxurious and creamy mouthfeel, enhancing the flavor profile.
• Balanced and complex: The whisky delivers a smooth and well-balanced taste experience, showcasing a delightful interplay of oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and raisin notes.
• Long and satisfying finish: The experience lingers with a long and warming finish featuring hints of tobacco, dark chocolate, and lingering dark fruit.

More than just the taste:

• Sherry Cask Maturation: The secret to this whisky’s depth lies in its exclusive maturation for 18 years in hand-picked sherry casks from Jerez, Spain. These casks impart rich flavors and a luxurious character.
• A Legacy of Excellence: The Macallan distillery, established in 1824, holds a rich history in crafting exceptional Speyside whiskies.

A Worthy Investment?

While the Macallan 18 Sherry Oak carries a premium price tag, it undeniably delivers a top-notch whisky experience. Its complexity, depth of flavor, and luxurious smoothness make it a perfect choice for discerning whisky drinkers.

Considering Cost?

If budget is a concern, the Macallan 12 Sherry Oak offers a more affordable alternative that still captures the essence of the distillery’s sherry cask maturation.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Balvenie 17 DoubleWood	$180
Macallan 18 Sherry Oak	$400