Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish vs Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

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

Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask FinishCraigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
DistilleryBenriachCraigellachie
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.2%51%
Age20 yr12 yr
Price£98.95£72.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner40/100
Value51/100

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness44/100
Beginner50/100
Value69/100

Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is better value at £73 vs £99.

For beginners: Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£98.95 vs £72.95)

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£72.95 vs £98.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Benriach?

Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish 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 Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) 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

ToastedCooked FruitDried Fruit

Only Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish

Smokey

Only Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SherriedNutty

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