Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old vs Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Bunnahabhain
★ 4.42
£41
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Deanston
★ 5.00
£50
| Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old | Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bunnahabhain | Deanston |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.3% | 58.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £41.39 | £49.96 |
| Rating | 4.42/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
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 4.42).
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is better value at £41 vs £50.
For beginners: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£41.39 vs £49.96)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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 £41.39)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old 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 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 Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Only Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured