Balcones True Blue Cask Strength vs Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Balcones True Blue Cask StrengthBeldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryBalconesDuncan Taylor
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeCornBlended Malt
ABV65.7%53.4%
AgeNAS23 yr
Price£101.95£159.95
Rating5.00/5

Balcones True Blue Cask Strength

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner35/100
Value49/100

Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Balcones True Blue Cask Strength

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balcones True Blue Cask Strength is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Balcones True Blue Cask Strength is better value at £102 vs £160.

For beginners: Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Balcones True Blue Cask Strength

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£101.95 vs £159.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (65.7%) — may need water

Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£159.95 vs £101.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Balcones?

Balcones True Blue Cask Strength 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.

Who should buy Beldorney?

Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - 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

Toasted

Only Balcones True Blue Cask Strength

Cooked MashVanillaNew WoodNutty

Only Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedOld WoodHoneyDried Fruit

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