Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Benriach 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 7611) - Peated, Rum Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Linkwood
★ 4.65
£80

Benriach 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 7611) - Peated, Rum Cask
Benriach
£92
| Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | Benriach 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 7611) - Peated, Rum Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | Benriach |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 59.5% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £79.95 | £91.95 |
| Rating | 4.65/5 | — |
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Benriach 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 7611) - Peated, Rum Cask
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Benriach 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 7611) - Peated, Rum Cask
Quick verdict
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (4.65 vs 0.00).
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £80 vs £92.
For beginners: Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More affordable (£79.95 vs £91.95)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Benriach 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 7611) - Peated, Rum Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
Cons
- −High ABV (59.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£91.95 vs £79.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Benriach?
Benriach 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 7611) - Peated, Rum Cask 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
Only Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Benriach 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 7611) - Peated, Rum Cask