Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection vs Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Caperdonich
★ 5.00
£140

Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Deanston
★ 5.00
£123
| Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection | Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caperdonich | Deanston |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 46% |
| Age | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £139.9 | £122.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Quick verdict
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is better value at £123 vs £140.
For beginners: Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£139.9 vs £122.95)
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£122.95 vs £139.9)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caperdonich?
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Deanston?
Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Only Deanston 21 Year Old 1996 (casks 600009 & 10) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)