Laphroaig 17 Year Old 2004 (cask 5634019) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Laphroaig 17 Year Old 2004 (cask 5634019) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Laphroaig
£360
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Pittyvaich
★ 5.00
£350
| Laphroaig 17 Year Old 2004 (cask 5634019) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Pittyvaich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.9% | 43% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £359.95 | £350 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 17 Year Old 2004 (cask 5634019) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Laphroaig 17 Year Old 2004 (cask 5634019) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Quick verdict
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is better value at £350 vs £360.
For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 17 Year Old 2004 (cask 5634019) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£359.95 vs £350)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£350 vs £359.95)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 17 Year Old 2004 (cask 5634019) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy Pittyvaich?
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Laphroaig 17 Year Old 2004 (cask 5634019) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna