Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels vs The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box): Cross-Category Face-Off arrives with the quiet confidence of a spirit that knows its own worth.
Cross-category comparisons are always fun. Today we pit a Bourbon against a Scotch: Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels takes on The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box) in a battle that transcends regional tradition.
While these two whiskeys come from different worlds, comparing them reveals what makes each style unique and which might suit your palate better.
Specifications at a Glance
| Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels | The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | plans to make for its eventual mainstays – and therefore it seems a little premature to judge – I find the taste in the | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Scotch |
| Age | N/A | 18 years |
| ABV | 43% ABV in 750mL bottles | 43% ABV (86 proof), aged 18 years, 100% malted bar |
| Price | N/A | $200.00 |
| Rating | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Nose
Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels: As one might expect, the basis of this bouquet is the sweet, rich aroma of maple syrup. However, that sweetness doesn’t dominate the nose, as it’s tempered by strong notes of oak and cinnamon – adding a spicy and earthy dimension – with a touch of tangerine adding a bit of tartness.
The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box): Sherry, spiced plums, mixed berry preserves, warm cinnamon toast, butter.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels: The first sip is rich, sweet, and fruity, reminiscent for me of caramel spread onto a red apple. Gradually, cinnamon and nutmeg work their way into the flavor and building into a moderately harsh roar on the tongue, while simultaneously shifting the sweet side of things closer to maple syrup or molasses.
The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box): Sweet, dry sherry, salted butter on a toasted english muffin. Clean and uncomplicated, yet full and satisfying.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels: Swallowing sends a blast of cinnamon toward the top of the mouth while tingles slowly make their way of the sides. That gives way to a rich, sweet, and smoky molasses flavor that coats the tongue, with slight tingle throughout the mouth.
The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box): Continued sherry notes from the nose right on through the finish. Charred oak on the back end with long, lingering tannic notes punctuated by sweet and very slightly salty caramel.
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels takes the crown with a rating of 10/10 compared to The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box)'s 8/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box) is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box) appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
- Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels – Full Review
- The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box) – Full Review
Final Reflections
Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished In Maple Syrup Barrels vs The Macallan 18 Year Old (Purple Box): Cross-Category Face-Off is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
