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)Reference Series III.2
DistilleryMaster of MaltReference Series
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV43%47.5%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£286.95£250.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner70/100
Value17/100

Reference Series III.2

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value16/100

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Reference Series III.2

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

HoneyOld WoodSherried

Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Dried FruitToasted

Only Reference Series III.2

Malt Extract

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