Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) vs Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

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

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryDuncan TaylorMurray McDavid
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.4%50%
Age15 yr8 yr
Price£47£46.95
Rating5.00/5

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid) is better value at £47 vs £47.

For beginners: Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47 vs £46.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£46.95 vs £47)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Islay?

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) 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 Mulben?

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

SmokeyMedicinalDried Fruit

Only Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

Cooked FruitToastedVanillaOily

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