Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

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

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
DistilleryPaul JohnGlenfiddich
RegionSpeyside
CountryIndiaScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.2%40%
Age6 yr12 yr
Price£147.95£199
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value34/100

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £148 vs £199.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£147.95 vs £199)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.2%) — may need water

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 6 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £147.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Paul?

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyFresh FruitOilyMedicinal

Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNew Wood

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