Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured vs Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996

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

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask MaturedArdmore 20 Year Old 1996
DistilleryDeanstonArdmore
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.7%49.3%
Age9 yr20 yr
Price£49.96£69.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value57/100

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured is better value at £50 vs £70.

For beginners: Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£49.96 vs £69.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 9 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£69.95 vs £49.96)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Deanston?

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured 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 Ardmore?

Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Cooked FruitFresh FruitVanillaSherried

Only Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996

SmokeyToastedMedicinalOld WoodDried Fruit

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