Strathmill 12 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

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

Strathmill 12 Year Old - Forgotten GemsSecret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
DistilleryStrathmillMaster of Malt
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.8%46%
Age12 yr9 yr
Price£44.95£29.95
Rating5.00/5

Strathmill 12 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Strathmill 12 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is better value at £30 vs £45.

For beginners: Strathmill 12 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Strathmill 12 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£44.95 vs £29.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£29.95 vs £44.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Strathmill?

Strathmill 12 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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.

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

Only Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

Toasted

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