Rock Oyster Sherry Edition vs North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Rock Oyster Sherry EditionNorth British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryRock IslandNorth British
RegionIslandLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltGrain
ABV46.8%54.2%
AgeNAS17 yr
Price£44.5£54.5
Rating5.00/5

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition is better value at £45 vs £55.

For beginners: North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£44.5 vs £54.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£54.5 vs £44.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Rock?

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy North?

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Rock Oyster Sherry Edition

SherriedSmokeyCitricDried Fruit

Only North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

VanillaToastedOilyHoneyOld Wood

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