Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGlenrothesTobermory
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.2%51.7%
Age9 yr18 yr
Price£66.55£89.95
Rating5.00/5

Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £67 vs £90.

For beginners: Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£66.55 vs £89.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.95 vs £66.55)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Glenrothes 9 Year Old 2013 (cask 4939126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedHoneyVanillaDried FruitChocolate

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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