Royal Brackla 21 Year Old vs Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

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

Royal Brackla 21 Year OldMalts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryBracklaMurray McDavid
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%41.1%
Age21 yr34 yr
Price£219.99£356.47
Rating5.00/5

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value23/100

Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is better value at £220 vs £356.

For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£219.99 vs £356.47)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (34 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£356.47 vs £219.99)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Malts?

Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld Wood

Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

VanillaCooked FruitToasted

Only Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Dried FruitSmokeyChocolate

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