Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Clynelish
★ 5.00
£100
Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured
Deanston
★ 5.00
£159
| Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Clynelish | Deanston |
| Region | Highland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.6% | 50.2% |
| Age | 23 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £99.88 | £159 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured
Quick verdict
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £100 vs £159.
For beginners: Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£99.88 vs £159)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£159 vs £99.88)
- −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 Deanston?
Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso 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 Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Deanston 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured