Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) vs Reference Series III.2
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£287

Reference Series III.2
Reference Series
★ 4.00
£251
| Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) | Reference Series III.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Reference Series |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 47.5% |
| Age | 40 yr | NAS |
| Price | £286.95 | £250.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Reference Series III.2
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Reference Series III.2
Quick verdict
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Reference Series III.2 is better value at £251 vs £287.
For beginners: Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£286.95 vs £250.95)
Reference Series III.2
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£250.95 vs £286.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Master?
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Reference?
Reference Series III.2 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Only Reference Series III.2