Benriach 17 Year Old 2005 (cask 121) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Benriach 17 Year Old 2005 (cask 121) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBenriachTobermory
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.4%51.7%
Age17 yr18 yr
Price£132.95£89.95
Rating5.00/5

Benriach 17 Year Old 2005 (cask 121) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

Benriach 17 Year Old 2005 (cask 121) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £133.

For beginners: Benriach 17 Year Old 2005 (cask 121) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Benriach 17 Year Old 2005 (cask 121) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£132.95 vs £89.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £132.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Benriach?

Benriach 17 Year Old 2005 (cask 121) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Benriach 17 Year Old 2005 (cask 121) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

VanillaHoneyToastedOld Wood

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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