Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 vs Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

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

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryGlenfiddichBruichladdich
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%46%
Age18 yr18 yr
Price£299£358.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

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

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value14/100

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is better value at £299 vs £359.

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

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
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £358.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£358.95 vs £299)

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.

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

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

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

Only Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

SmokeySherriedCooked FruitLeathery

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