Brackla 15 Year Old 2009 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

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

Brackla 15 Year Old 2009 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
DistilleryBracklaThe Lakes Distillery
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%52%
Age15 yrNAS
Price£134.95£84.95
Rating5.00/5

Brackla 15 Year Old 2009 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value59/100

Brackla 15 Year Old 2009 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £135.

For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Brackla 15 Year Old 2009 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£134.95 vs £84.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £134.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water

Who should buy Brackla?

Brackla 15 Year Old 2009 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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 The?

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 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

Both taste of

SherriedToasted

Only Brackla 15 Year Old 2009 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Dried FruitChocolate

Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

VanillaHoney

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