Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt) vs Lower East Side Blended Malt
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
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Lower East Side
★ 5.00
£30
| Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt) | Lower East Side Blended Malt | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Lower East Side |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 51.1% | 40% |
| Age | 10 yr | NAS |
| Price | £39.95 | £29.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Quick verdict
Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £40.
For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£39.95 vs £29.9)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£29.9 vs £39.95)
Cons
- −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 Lower?
Lower East Side Blended Malt is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
Only Lower East Side Blended Malt