Bunnahabhain 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 3843356) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

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

Bunnahabhain 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 3843356) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
DistilleryBunnahabhainLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.7%54.9%
Age9 yr12 yr
Price£93.18£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Bunnahabhain 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 3843356) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner50/100
Value60/100

Bunnahabhain 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 3843356) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is better value at £83 vs £93.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 3843356) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£93.18 vs £82.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£82.95 vs £93.18)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 3843356) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) 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 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 3843356) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOilyMedicinal

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanillaFresh Fruit

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