Ardmore 12 Year Old 1999 - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory) vs Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

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

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1999 - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
DistilleryArdmoreDeanston
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%58.7%
Age12 yr9 yr
Price£46.19£49.96
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1999 - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1999 - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1999 - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory) is better value at £46 vs £50.

For beginners: Ardmore 12 Year Old 1999 - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1999 - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£46.19 vs £49.96)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.96 vs £46.19)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1999 - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Deanston?

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine 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

Only Ardmore 12 Year Old 1999 - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)

SmokeyToastedHay-likeMalt ExtractHoney

Only Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Cooked FruitFresh FruitVanillaSherried

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