Ben Nevis 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.91) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Ben Nevis 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.91) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryBen NevisGlen Grant
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%52.5%
Age12 yr20 yr
Price£150£106.37
Rating5.00/5

Ben Nevis 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.91) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner45/100
Value47/100

Ben Nevis 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.91) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £106 vs £150.

For beginners: Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Ben Nevis 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.91) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £106.37)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£106.37 vs £150)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ben?

Ben Nevis 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.91) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 Glen?

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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

Both taste of

ToastedVanillaHoney

Only Ben Nevis 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.91) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Fresh FruitSmokey

Only Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedCooked Fruit

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