Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask vs Hampden 2018 HGML / 7 Year Old / Magnum Photography Series #3

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

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single CaskHampden 2018 HGML / 7 Year Old / Magnum Photography Series #3
DistilleryTomintoulHampden
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV53.9%40%
Age31 yrNAS
Price£223.7£199
Rating5.00/5

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value22/100

Hampden 2018 HGML / 7 Year Old / Magnum Photography Series #3

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hampden 2018 HGML / 7 Year Old / Magnum Photography Series #3

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Hampden 2018 HGML / 7 Year Old / Magnum Photography Series #3 is better value at £199 vs £224.

For beginners: Hampden 2018 HGML / 7 Year Old / Magnum Photography Series #3 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£223.7 vs £199)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Hampden 2018 HGML / 7 Year Old / Magnum Photography Series #3

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £223.7)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Tomintoul?

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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 Hampden?

Hampden 2018 HGML / 7 Year Old / Magnum Photography Series #3 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Old WoodHoneyVanillaDried FruitToasted

Only Hampden 2018 HGML / 7 Year Old / Magnum Photography Series #3

OilyFresh FruitSmokeyYeasty

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