Ardmore 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 1900001) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Minor Case Straight Rye

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

Ardmore 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 1900001) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Minor Case Straight Rye
DistilleryArdmoreLimestone Branch
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltRye
ABV57.4%45%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£89.9£58.5
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 1900001) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Minor Case Straight Rye

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner65/100
Value85/100

Ardmore 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 1900001) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Minor Case Straight Rye

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Minor Case Straight Rye is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Minor Case Straight Rye is better value at £59 vs £90.

For beginners: Minor Case Straight Rye is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 1900001) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.9 vs £58.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Minor Case Straight Rye

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£58.5 vs £89.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 1900001) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 Minor?

Minor Case Straight Rye suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardmore 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 1900001) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokeyCooked MashChocolateMalt ExtractToasted

Only Minor Case Straight Rye

SherriedNuttyDried Fruit

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