Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers) vs Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

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

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007
DistilleryThree RiversGlenfiddich
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.9%43%
Age6 yr18 yr
Price£225£299
Rating5.00/5

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value17/100

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers) is better value at £225 vs £299.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£225 vs £299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £225)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Islay?

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers) 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 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)

SmokeySherriedOilyToastedDried Fruit

Only Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOld WoodFresh Fruit

Explore more