Reference Series II 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.

Reference Series II
Reference Series
★ 5.00
£105

Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£130
| Reference Series II | Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Reference Series | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.5% | 52.2% |
| Age | NAS | 15 yr |
| Price | £104.95 | £130 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Reference Series II
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Reference Series II
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Quick verdict
Reference Series II is better value at £105 vs £130.
For beginners: Reference Series II is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Reference Series II
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£104.95 vs £130)
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 £104.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Reference?
Reference Series II suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch 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 Reference Series II
Only Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)