Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection vs Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5642769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside CollectionLaphroaig 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5642769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryCaperdonichLaphroaig
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%53%
Age18 yr14 yr
Price£139.9£174.5
Rating5.00/5

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value36/100

Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5642769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5642769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is better value at £140 vs £175.

For beginners: Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£139.9 vs £174.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5642769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£174.5 vs £139.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Caperdonich?

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection 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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5642769) - 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

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Toasted

Only Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5642769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Sherried

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