Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£40
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
Linkwood
★ 5.00
£50
| Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt) | Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Linkwood |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.1% | 46% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £39.95 | £49.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
Quick verdict
Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £50.
For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£39.95 vs £49.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
Pros
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£49.95 vs £39.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Secret?
Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt) 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 Linkwood?
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman 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 Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman