Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection vs Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured

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

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside CollectionDeanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured
DistilleryCaperdonichDeanston
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%50.2%
Age18 yr23 yr
Price£139.9£159
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

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

Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner45/100
Value31/100

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is better value at £140 vs £159.

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
  • +More affordable (£139.9 vs £159)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£159 vs £139.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Deanston?

Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured 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

ToastedDried Fruit

Only Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured

ChocolateSherried

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