Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s vs Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s
Bell's
★ 4.75
£40

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Deanston
★ 5.00
£50
| Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s | Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bell's | Deanston |
| Region | Other Scotch | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 58.7% |
| Age | NAS | 9 yr |
| Price | £40 | £49.96 |
| Rating | 4.75/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s
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 4.75).
Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s is better value at £40 vs £50.
For beginners: Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£40 vs £49.96)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£49.96 vs £40)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bell’s?
Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch 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 Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky Decanter - 1970s
Only Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured