Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:34 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.
Explore the contrasts between GlenDronach 18 and Macallan 18 in this detailed comparison and make an informed choice on which Single Malt suits your preferences!
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
GlenDronach 18 vs Macallan 18: Comparison
GlenDronach 18: Sherry, caramel, and almond dominate, with a palate of orange zest and chocolate. Finishes with tobacco and leather. A full-bodied, sherry-forward delight.
Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: Begins with dates and raisins, moving to a palate of oak, baking spice, and chocolate. Finishes long with tobacco and dried fruit. Luxurious and rich in sherry cask influence.
Verdict: GlenDronach 18 offers a complex, sherry-rich experience at a more accessible price point, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts of full-bodied, sherry-forward whiskies. Macallan 18 Sherry Oak, while at a premium, is an exquisite example of luxury and depth in sherry cask maturation, catering to those seeking an exceptional whisky experience. Both are standout choices in their category, celebrated for their rich flavors and storied pasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch
GlenDronach 18: A Full-Bodied Sherry Delight with a Storied Past
- Nose: Sherry, caramel, almond
- Palate: Sherry, caramel, orange zest, almond, chocolate
- Finish: Tobacco, leather
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
Intriguing history: Legend has it that the GlenDronach 18, also known as the Allardice, was gifted by its founder, Mr. James Allardice, to women involved in a “less reputable” profession. Their unexpected praise ignited the whisky’s popularity, laying the foundation for its current renown.
Sherry-forward profile: The Allardice boasts a strong sherry presence, offering aromas and flavors of caramel, almond, and orange zest with a hint of bitter chocolate.
Smooth and satisfying: The taste translates the enticing aroma, delivering a full-bodied and smooth experience thanks to its higher alcohol content (46% ABV). The finish is long and warming, leaving behind pleasant undertones of tobacco and leather.
A well-rounded experience: GlenDronach 18 is a solid and enjoyable single malt, offering a complex flavor profile at a reasonable price. This thought-provoking dram is perfect for savoring and is sure to spark conversation, living up to its interesting past.
Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: A Luxurious Sherry-Cask Delight
- Nose: Dates, raisins, oak, cinnamon, clove
- Palate: Oak, baking spice, dark chocolate, raisin
- Finish: Long, tobacco, chocolate, dried fruit
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
Aromas beyond compare: Macallan 18 Sherry Oak opens with captivating notes of dates and raisins, followed by the warmth of oak, cinnamon, and a touch of clove. This enticing introduction sets the stage for a truly remarkable taste journey.
Creamy indulgence: The first sip reveals a luxuriously smooth and full-bodied mouthfeel, making each sip a delightful experience.
Rich and complex flavors: The flavor profile is smooth and elegant, with oak playing a leading role, complemented by subtle hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and raisins.
Long and warming finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a gentle warming sensation and lingering notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, and dark fruit. This whisky is best enjoyed neat, allowing its full complexity to shine through.
An exceptional experience: While the price may be a consideration, Macallan 18 Sherry Oak offers an exceptionally rich, complex, and deeply satisfying whisky experience, even at its lower alcohol level.
This highly regarded sherry cask whisky sets a high bar for the category and is considered by many to be a true masterpiece.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| GlenDronach 18 | $200 |
| Macallan Sherry Oak 18 | $400 |