Ardmore 12 Year Old 2012 Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

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

Ardmore 12 Year Old 2012 Single Cask (Master of Malt)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
DistilleryArdmoreLinkwood
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.7%46%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£59.95£49.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardmore 12 Year Old 2012 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner30/100
Value83/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Ardmore 12 Year Old 2012 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is better value at £50 vs £60.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 12 Year Old 2012 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (59.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£59.95 vs £49.95)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £59.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 12 Year Old 2012 Single Cask (Master 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman 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 Ardmore 12 Year Old 2012 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyMalt ExtractSandyOilyTobacco

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SherriedHoneyChocolateDried FruitToasted

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