Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

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

Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
DistilleryCaledonianJohnnie Walker
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainBlended
ABV52.8%43.8%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£432.3£399
Rating5.00/5

Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is better value at £399 vs £432.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£432.3 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £432.3)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caledonian?

Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (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 Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodVanillaToasted

Only Caledonian 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 23630) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

OilyNutty

Only Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SherriedDried Fruit

Explore more