Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

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

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
DistilleryClynelishCraigellachie
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.6%51%
Age23 yr12 yr
Price£99.88£72.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke69/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value50/100

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness44/100
Beginner50/100
Value69/100

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is better value at £73 vs £100.

For beginners: Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.88 vs £72.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£72.95 vs £99.88)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) 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 Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

KipperyMedicinalOilyCooked VegetableOld Wood

Only Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SherriedDried FruitToastedCooked FruitNutty

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