Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8 vs Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

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

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBenchmarkMaster of Malt
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
AgeNAS9 yr
Price£23.79£29.95
Rating4.29/55.00/5

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.29).

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8 is better value at £24 vs £30.

For beginners: Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£23.79 vs £29.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£29.95 vs £23.79)

Who should buy Benchmark?

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8 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 Secret?

Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaMalt ExtractToastedHoney

Only Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)

Fresh Fruit

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