Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
DistilleryMurray McDavidGlenfiddich
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV42.3%40%
Age31 yr12 yr
Price£219.6£199
Rating5.00/5

Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is better value at £199 vs £220.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve 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
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£219.6 vs £199)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £219.6)

Cons

  • 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 Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve 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 Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)

SmokeySherriedCooked FruitDried FruitLeathery

Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNew Wood

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