Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve vs SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

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

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage ReserveSMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky
DistilleryGlengoyneNorth Port (Brechin)
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV50.3%40%
Age25 yrNAS
Price£995£850
Rating5.00/5

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky is better value at £850 vs £995.

For beginners: SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£995 vs £850)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£850 vs £995)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve 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 SMWS?

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaFresh FruitToasted

Only SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

OilySmokeyTobaccoOld Wood

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