Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Duncan Taylor
£160
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£130
| Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.4% | 52.2% |
| Age | 23 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £159.95 | £130 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Quick verdict
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is better value at £130 vs £160.
For beginners: Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 15 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£159.95 vs £130)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£130 vs £159.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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 Beldorney 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 2021126) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)