BenRiach 9 Year Old 2005 (cask 3781) Peated, Virgin American Oak Cask Finish vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

BenRiach 9 Year Old 2005 (cask 3781) Peated, Virgin American Oak Cask FinishScallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryBenriachScallywag
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV58.7%48%
Age9 yrNAS
Price£51.45£56.25
Rating5.00/5

BenRiach 9 Year Old 2005 (cask 3781) Peated, Virgin American Oak Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value89/100

BenRiach 9 Year Old 2005 (cask 3781) Peated, Virgin American Oak Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

BenRiach 9 Year Old 2005 (cask 3781) Peated, Virgin American Oak Cask Finish is better value at £51 vs £56.

For beginners: Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 9 Year Old 2005 (cask 3781) Peated, Virgin American Oak Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£51.45 vs £56.25)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£56.25 vs £51.45)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy BenRiach?

BenRiach 9 Year Old 2005 (cask 3781) Peated, Virgin American Oak 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 Scallywag?

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only BenRiach 9 Year Old 2005 (cask 3781) Peated, Virgin American Oak Cask Finish

New WoodVanillaToastedSmokey

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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