Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Blair Athol
£65
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Tobermory
★ 5.00
£90
| Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blair Athol | Tobermory |
| Region | Highland | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 51.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £65.28 | £89.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is better value at £65 vs £90.
For beginners: Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +More affordable (£65.28 vs £89.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£89.95 vs £65.28)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Blair?
Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy Ledaig?
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2008 (casks 1909775/77/78/79) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)