Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s vs Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000sOctomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBenromachBruichladdich
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%48.4%
Age30 yr8 yr
Price£225.54£197.65
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value22/100

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value25/100

Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £198 vs £226.

For beginners: Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 8 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£225.54 vs £197.65)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£197.65 vs £225.54)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Benromach?

Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Octomore?

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s

SherriedOld WoodHoneyDried FruitChocolate

Only Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyOilyMalt ExtractToasted

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