The GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice Vs The Macallan 18 Year Old

Keith and I give our opinions comparing The GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice ( 2016) vs Macallan 18 (1996) Sherry whisky shootout!
Join us on Patreon @ / topshelfwhisky

[@leonidasspartan9842]

Glendronach all the way. Natural color and non chill filtered.

[@santacruzn5729]

Mike nice review , good to see you and The Malted Man Cave Keith doing a duel between the Glendronach and the Mac 18s. Cheers

[@markhanson6914]

they are both fantastic(I have 4 bottles of the 2017 allardice stashed away) The newer bottlings of the mac 18 seem a little muted, but the flavor profile of the mac is so damn good, and could be epic at 46 and ncf. Great review guys!

[@topshelfwhisky]

mark hanson love to see a Macallan 18 at 46% or, cask strength but I know I’m dreaming.

[@tamborafina]

I will go with the GlenDronach any day! No regrets!

[@topshelfwhisky]

It’s degrees of winning. 😉

[@teddyballgame25]

Watching this after following you for the past 6 months, it’s like your an entirely different human. Complete w emotions and everything lol

[@topshelfwhisky]

It’s a journey

[@WhiskyGeek]

Good comparison - happy to see which came out on top ;-) Just highlights how much you pay for the Macallan label!

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Very cool video boys

[@markslinger4599]

Great side by side test. They are both Speyside, Glendronach is the most easterly Speyside distilley.

[@harryherman5371]

Glendronach was at least six years older than the label said if you bought it around this time, I'm opening a bottle from that year tonight.

[@topshelfwhisky]

Nice! The 2016 bottling of Glendronach 18, is 21 years old I believe. But yes it’s an older whisky... enjoy that GD.

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Spot on, needed this head to head in my life. MaCallan is fantastic but they need to raise that ABV just a little and NON-CHILL FILTER! Grabbing another Glendro 18 next week cheers 🥃

[@topshelfwhisky]

All true

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

While I enjoy whiskies from each distillery, I've never had the 18 year-olds. That said, the ones I've had, I choose GlenDronach - but then I love the sherry bombs. Another great review - you guys ever come to Ireland, you gotta come to my place!

[@topshelfwhisky]

Whiskey Straight Al have to try the 18’s and if I’m ever in Ireland, we have to meet up... planning a trip to Islay next year, meet up?

[@chadadams1127]

Great review/comparison! Honestly for me (price not being a factor) it depends on the day. I've compared these two more than once or twice and both have been absolutely better than the other on numerous occasions. I think mood and how you're feeling play a big role sometimes...😎

[@topshelfwhisky]

Completely agree. I tried to even out most factors, I open the bottles at the same time and kept the fill levels equal to ensure oxidation was similar... but at the end of the day, it could be the temperature or something we ate that would’ve swayed my opinion in such a tight race.

[@travisfaircloth]

Great versus video Mike and Keith! I love both but have never had them side by side. Based on price alone, I would definitely go with the Allardice all day long over the Mac 18. You can still get the Allardice for under 120 shipped from UK vs the 279.99 plus tax Mac 18. As far as the color, there are huge batch variations in the Allardice bottlings. My 2016 is the lightest one I have compared to my 2015, 2017, and 2018 (no 2019 Allardice bottle codes spotted yet that I'm aware of). I'm pretty sure my 2015 might be a shade or 2 darker than the 1996 vintage Mac. Besides the abv and ncf, another big difference between the two is GlenDronach used a combo of their own lightly peated malted barley (up to 15-20ppm) and unpeated commercially bought barley up through 1996 when they decommissioned their floor maltings....and GlenDronach was also using coal fired stills up through 2005. Did you guys get any smoky / soot flavors buried way down in that Oloroso goodness? Cheers fellas!

[@SaltyCuban]

Travis Faircloth I totally agree about the price. Even if the Mac was slightly better, which is debatable, I still wouldn’t pay double for that difference. Then again if I was rich…naw I’d get both! Oh question. Where do you buy in the UK? Last time I bought the dronach 18 was from Mom. They have since stopped shopping to the US. Bummer. Do u buy from whisky exchange ?

[@travisfaircloth]

@@SaltyCuban check Abbey Whisky .com, Whisky Shop Dufftown, Dramtime . NL, Whiskysite . NL.... I've got more 😉. No I don't buy from mom or twe anymore since they quit shipping here. F em.

[@SaltyCuban]

Travis Faircloth whiskey exchange stopped shipping as well?? I’ve only bought over seas at moms and a couple of times from whisky auction at Glasgow. Expensive!

[@travisfaircloth]

@@SaltyCuban yeah they only ship to about 9 states now so they're off the list ✌

[@keithpetersen560]

This was a great comparison. I've had a bottle of Glendronach 18 and loved it. You compared it to an older version of 1996 Macallan 18, so I thought the Mac would have the winning chance. After 1997, Macallan put the bottled date instead of the distilled date on the label and the color seemed to get lighter. I've had the 2018 Macallan 18 several times and its good but not great. Its thin on the palate and doesn't justify $300 for sure... I'm glad I have the Mac 18 1995 in stock ready to drink someday. Great review.

[@topshelfwhisky]

Macallan 18 was always over priced especially for 43% but after the 1996 vintage it's a bottle I won't buy anymore. Glendronach 18 is getting better (and older) and has a higher abv for half the price. I still have a 1993 Mac18 but after that bottle is gone so is my interest in the product.

[@keithpetersen560]

@@topshelfwhisky I totally agree with everything you say...

[@jimidrammer4187]

I got a Mac 18 early on when it was @ $99 and I still never wanted a second bottle. The dry spice and Sulphur left it unbalanced for me. Sorry I can't leave price out of it. Glendronach all day even if someone else is buying.

[@topshelfwhisky]

Jimidrammer Definitely more spice and sulfur then anything from Glendronach. I do enjoy the Macallan “spent matchsticks” especially in the rare cask.

[@hillardwilliam5183]

@@topshelfwhisky 👍

[@franklampard6316]

Great review, guys. Not too much between these whiskies for me, so I have to vote for the Glendronach because of the price difference (Glendronach is $170 and Macallan is $270 where I live). Love them both but you can’t ignore the $100 price difference.

[@topshelfwhisky]

Frank lampard all true!

[@SaltyCuban]

Great review. How long do you keep these bottles around after uncorking?? My glendronach 18 changed noticeably after a year and it being around half the bottle. Never had the macallan 18. The old style Revival 15 is better in my opinion btw. But the nose on the 18 is lovely.

[@topshelfwhisky]

jjmytube1 as long as they last! But more to your point, I’ve had bottles open for a year or two. I like to keep the fill level over 50%. Once under, I’m trying to finish the bottle.

[@SaltyCuban]

Mike’s Whisky Reviews yeah, after reaching half point it’s time to concentrate on that bottle and or invite friends over. It’ll remain similar but in no way the real character you get before the halfway mark. I find the cask strength bottles are good for long shelf life after opening because of the high abv. I’m on the fence and leaning towards not using the gas. I find it alters the taste and smell. Just imo.

[@djbeacon6895]

Mike, just watched this one. Have only had a pour of the Macallan 18 and it was great, just not 300 to 400 a bottle great. Love the Macallan Classic Cut 2017. I would go Glendronach 18.

[@topshelfwhisky]

The old Mac 18’s 91-94 were real nice. I have kept up with the current releases. As you mentioned, the cost is significant.

[@robdavey8836]

Great comparison, always loved the Mac 18, need to pick up a Allardice. And since you were talking about the Mac cask, what’s your thoughts on the Glendronach NAS cask strength?

[@topshelfwhisky]

cask strength whisky is always welcome but I do prefer the Macallan CS. To me, it's a definition of a sherry bomb.

[@themaltedmancave9499]

I love the Glendranach Cask Strength....I am worried that they are starting to bottle it at a younger age which is going to effect the quality going forward:)

[@jasonfisk1568]

Great head to head guys. Been looking for this comp. love your insights. Cheers

[@cato451]

I’ll be at Glendronach in May Mike. I’ll ask them if they ACE any of their expressions.

[@topshelfwhisky]

cato lucky man! Tell them I’m a big fan!!! 🤣

[@yellowsnow84]

R.I.P. Billy!!!

[@Nervulis]

What do you mean? Did Billy die? I've been out of the loop due to work for the last half a year.

[@yellowsnow84]

@@Nervulis ask Mike!

[@topshelfwhisky]

Billy is fine he just stopped drinking.

[@gman5986]

Have you boys tried the GlenDro 21? Top Shelf!

[@topshelfwhisky]

Yep, I have a review on this channel.

[@SippersSocialClub]

Ive done this exact comparison and picked the Macallan. The oak influence in GlenDronach's isn't perfect IMO, but I love those Macallan tannin notes. Cheers guys!

[@topshelfwhisky]

I prefer the Macallan's nose and color, the GD was a bit better regarding taste but I favor higher ABV.s... really close comparison... thanks for stopping by, Cheers!

[@maltreviews]

Def agree. Especially these vintage ones.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

Based on price the Macallan 18 Sherry cask is $350.00 and the GlenDronach 18 Sherry cask is $150.00

[@topshelfwhisky]

Pricing with Macallan is always going up but I picked this one up for far less... but valid point.

[@themaltedmancave9499]

Thanks for letting me drink your expensive 18 yr old sherried whisky Mike:)

[@menstuffonly7331]

Keith you guys work great together👏Bravo! And of course I’m glad the better malt won👌

[@topshelfwhisky]

I’m looking forward to your thoughts on The Macallan 18 when you and Dave focus on it solely.

[@travisfaircloth]

GlenDronach...never heard of it 😉

[@themaltedmancave9499]

Travis Faircloth hahahaha

[@themaltedmancave9499]

Travis Faircloth Glendronach should send you stuff for free as much as you preach it🙂

[@aasche04]

My only question is...how many drams in are you guys by the time you film? 😀😀😀

[@topshelfwhisky]

A-Aron about 5, if I remember correctly. We started with The Balvenie 25 SB then moved on to a private bottling of Glenlivet 25 cask strength, then a few Springbanks before we recorded this one.

[@josteinaune]

Great review, Mike! Just bought 2 bottles of 2019. Which one do you prefere, age and cost taken out of the equation. Allardice or Parliament?

[@topshelfwhisky]

Jostein Aune The Allardice is a bigger sherry bomb but I prefer the Parliament most days. The mix of Px and Oloroso is done well. The Allardice has a bit of a sherry overcoat until the bottle has oxidized... imo

[@gav25x]

Did you really just suggest macallan charge MORE?

[@coreymartin-bigpoppa1377]

Nice job men!!!

[@uTubeMiester]

Interesting… How long Will these whiskey last before they Go bad after the bottle has been open? Youre talking plus 5 years…

[@topshelfdustin3060]

That's not an exact science. Half a bottle should be good for over a decade without any concerns. If you get to a quarter it can get concerning and if you think you'll have it for a long time, maybe put it into a smaller bottle. But in generally unless you have very little in the bottle it should be fine.

[@jasonkeating9958]

I've brought the 21 Parliament instead it's only £20 more and an extra 2% got 2 bottles stashed

[@topshelfwhisky]

The 21 is always a good choice.

[@kienvucao8390]

In the asia macallan is the most famous and popular single malt whiskey brand,Although our prices are very high, I don't know why maybe because of the difference in value, popularity and maybe it suits the needs and location of Asians,i have a mac 18 sherry vintage 1996 it's really very good much better with recent releases like 2018,2020!

[@topshelfwhisky]

Thanks for the comment! The 1996 Mac 18 was one of the better (Non Remy) releases. I still have a couple 1993 which are slightly better but I agree the new one's are no longer something I'm interested in.

[@VanIsleNuckFan]

A little birdy told me those are not created equal. Remember, the age statement is the youngest whisky present. A wise man will figure this one out. =)

[@topshelfwhisky]

VanIsleNuckFan the Glendronach should be older and depending on the year bottles my opinion may change. I have a few 1993 Macallan 18’s and I would prefer that one. Cheers

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Man am I happy the Glendronach won out. It is $160 By me while the Macallan 18 is $400 if you can find it.

[@topshelfwhisky]

Dean D it was close but the price is not.

[@BrianKirby_The1andOnly]

I would say GlenDronach, but ever since Brown-Forman happened, I think I may pass on both... Sad trajectory for both distilleries at the moment.

[@topshelfwhisky]

BF are putting out some great stuff. King of Kentucky 2019 is easily my favorite bourbon of all time.

[@BrianKirby_The1andOnly]

@@topshelfwhisky I would agree with you on the Bourbon front. Just seems GlenDro was better pre-2016. Maybe it's just me. Almost as if Billy Walker took his magic with him to GlenAllachie.

[@topshelfwhisky]

@@BrianKirby_The1andOnly Glendronach has seemed to slip but still a very good sherried malt. I’ve had some excellent single casks.

[@BrianKirby_The1andOnly]

@@topshelfwhisky That's fair. Single Casks have been relatively solid. 1993 was amazing. Maybe these releases are given the attention they deserve. Great video, nonetheless! ✌️

[@imnotwadewilsonsee3656]

I got a 2020 bottling of the Glendronach 18 and say it’s still amazing

[@clintondeabreu8565]

GlenDronach 18yo Allardice everyday, any day. Macallan doesn’t even come close. Macallan is darker because they most likely prepared the barrels with colour pre barrelling, because you can then age the whisky & claim no colour added.

[@topshelfwhisky]

Interesting, I wasn’t aware of any other additives Macallan used to influence they color of their whisky... purely on taste these were close in my opinion though I didn’t assume that would be the scenario before I did the review. I assumed GD would be an easy winner.

[@Im_Old_Gregg]

Macallan no doubt makes great whisky. I just can't justify the prices for chill filtered low abv whisky. There are better 18 year old whiskies for less than half the price.

[@topshelfwhisky]

no doubt

[@DrinkyNinja5533]

Macallan is decent at best at their MSRP. At jacked up price 🤮🤮

[@ghantakha5568]

Glendronach all day but its going chill filtration from 2021 , lets boycott glendronach now fck man i used to love glendornach so much now its ruined

[@topshelfwhisky]

I was disappointed to hear that too... might be time to move on.

[@clintondeabreu8565]

How is this not a fair fight, a 18yo (21yo maybe) at half the price of a 18yo , really says that Macallan is ripping off their fans & they are foolish enough to buy into the hype.

[@topshelfwhisky]

Glendronach has some advantages in this matchup. Higher abv and it’s not chill filtered. Plus it’s likely older whisky... My comparison reviews are based purely off of the whisky itself and nothing to do with price. Though I do agree Macallan is over priced even in the single malt scotch market.

[@daviddipiazza3697]

get a nice water dropper

[@topshelfwhisky]

I need one, suggestions?

[@elijacobs2529]

Awful sound problems at 12 minutes in

[@tunwin5305]

Macallan is more sophisticated and luxurious!