Box 2nd Step Collection 02 vs Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Box 2nd Step Collection 02Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryBoxMacduff
RegionHighland
CountrySwedenScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.2%55%
AgeNAS20 yr
Price£70.99£75.3
Rating5.00/5

Box 2nd Step Collection 02

Smoke64/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner50/100
Value66/100

Box 2nd Step Collection 02

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Box 2nd Step Collection 02 is better value at £71 vs £75.

For beginners: Box 2nd Step Collection 02 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Box 2nd Step Collection 02

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£70.99 vs £75.3)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£75.3 vs £70.99)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Box?

Box 2nd Step Collection 02 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Macduff?

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Box 2nd Step Collection 02

SherriedSmokeyCooked FruitVanilla

Only Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedOld WoodNutty

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