Highland Park 18 vs Macallan 18: Whisky Comparison

Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:29 pm

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.

Discover the differences between Highland Park 18 vs Macallan 18 in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!

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

Highland Park 18 vs Macallan 18: Which to Buy?

Highland Park 18: A balanced mix of smoke and sweetness, with citrus, cinnamon, and chocolate notes. Celebrated for its complexity and long, smoky finish.

Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: Luxurious with a rich profile of dark chocolate, spices, and dried fruits. Known for its depth and long, warming finish.

Verdict: Both Highland Park 18 and Macallan 18 Sherry Oak deliver distinct, premium experiences. Highland Park 18 offers a unique balance between smokiness and sweetness, while Macallan 18 excels in its rich, sherry-infused complexity with no smoke. Both are excellent and two of the best 18-year-old whiskies, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best 18 Year Single Malts

Highland Park 18: A Balanced and Award-Winning Island Single Malt

Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Springbank 18

Highland Park 18 offers a unique taste profile that blends subtle smoke with citrus, cinnamon, chocolate, honey, and oak notes. While personally not my favorite, it’s undeniably an exceptional Scotch recognized by many, even earning the title of “Best Spirit in the World” by F Paul Pacult of the Spirit Journal.

What to expect:

Nose: Subtle smoke and oak.
Palate: Medium-bodied with citrus, cinnamon, chocolate, honey, and a touch of smoke.
Finish: Long, warming, slightly dry, and gently spiced oak.

Great for:

Scotch drinkers seeking a balance of smoke and other flavors.
Those who enjoy whiskies with a complex character.

Things to keep in mind:

Some may find it lacking in body compared to other whiskies.
Smokier than Speyside malts but less intense than Islay whiskies.

Highland Park 18 is an award-winning whisky aged in Oloroso sherry casks. It offers a unique and complex flavor profile that may not be for everyone, but it’s worth trying for those seeking a bold yet balanced Scotch experience.

Additional facts:

Aged for 18 years.
Winner of the 2018 and 2019 Chairman’s Trophy for Best Island Single Malt.
Crafted in Scotland’s northernmost distillery.
Founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson.

Macallan 18 Sherry Oak: A Luxurious Sherry-Infused Single Malt

Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Macallan Double Cask 18

Macallan 18 Sherry Oak boasts a rich aroma of dates, raisins, oak, cinnamon, and a touch of clove. On the palate, it’s creamy and textured, with a flavor profile led by oak, followed by cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and raisins. The finish is long, warming, and features notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, and dark fruit.

Great for:

Experienced Scotch drinkers seeking complexity and depth.
Those who enjoy the richness of sherry-aged whiskies.

Things to keep in mind:

Priced in the higher range due to its premium quality and aging.
May be too complex for newcomers to Scotch.

Macallan 18 Sherry Oak sets itself apart with its richness, complexity, and lengthy finish. While the price point is higher, it delivers a luxurious whisky experience that justifies the investment for enthusiasts seeking a truly exceptional dram.

Additional facts: