Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Murray McDavid
£220
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Brackla
★ 5.00
£220
| Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) | Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Murray McDavid | Brackla |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.3% | 40% |
| Age | 31 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £219.6 | £219.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) is better value at £220 vs £220.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£219.6 vs £219.99)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
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 (£219.99 vs £219.6)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Malts?
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Who should buy Royal?
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old