Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)

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

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
DistilleryBruichladdichKininvie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.4%42.6%
Age8 yr17 yr
Price£197.65£120
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value25/100

Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value42/100

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) is better value at £120 vs £198.

For beginners: Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£197.65 vs £120)

Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£120 vs £197.65)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Octomore?

Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Kininvie?

Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) 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

Malt Extract

Only Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyOilyToasted

Only Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)

HoneyFresh FruitVanillaCitric

Explore more