Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) vs BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

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

Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020
DistilleryCaperdonichBenriach
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.9%46%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£163.35£117.76
Rating5.00/54.33/5

Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner45/100
Value31/100

BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner75/100
Value37/100

Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).

BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020 is better value at £118 vs £163.

For beginners: BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£163.35 vs £117.76)

BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£117.76 vs £163.35)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Caperdonich?

Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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 BenRiach?

BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020 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

Both taste of

SherriedOld Wood

Only Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Dried FruitHoneyNutty

Only BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

Cooked FruitVanilla

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