Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Deanston
★ 5.00
£123
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£130
| Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Deanston | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 52.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £122.95 | £130 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Quick verdict
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is better value at £123 vs £130.
For beginners: Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£122.95 vs £130)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 15 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£130 vs £122.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Deanston?
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Only Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)