Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 vs Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996
Ardmore
★ 4.00
£70
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Deanston
★ 5.00
£50
| Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 | Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Deanston |
| Region | Highland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.3% | 58.7% |
| Age | 20 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £69.95 | £49.96 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Quick verdict
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured is better value at £50 vs £70.
For beginners: Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 9 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£69.95 vs £49.96)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 affordable (£49.96 vs £69.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 20 Year Old 1996 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 20 Year Old 1996
Only Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured