The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Safe Haven 8 Year Old 2014 Grapefruit Sour Cask Finish - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldSafe Haven 8 Year Old 2014 Grapefruit Sour Cask Finish - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryMurray McDavid
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%54.4%
Age21 yr8 yr
Price£84.9£64.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

Safe Haven 8 Year Old 2014 Grapefruit Sour Cask Finish - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner40/100
Value77/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Safe Haven 8 Year Old 2014 Grapefruit Sour Cask Finish - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Safe Haven 8 Year Old 2014 Grapefruit Sour Cask Finish - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid) is better value at £65 vs £85.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £64.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Safe Haven 8 Year Old 2014 Grapefruit Sour Cask Finish - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£64.95 vs £84.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.4%) — may need water

Who should buy The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Who should buy Safe?

Safe Haven 8 Year Old 2014 Grapefruit Sour Cask Finish - Mystery Malt (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.

Tasting notes

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Safe Haven 8 Year Old 2014 Grapefruit Sour Cask Finish - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

SmokeyHoneyToastedFresh FruitMedicinal

Explore more