Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) vs Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryCraigellachieDuncan Taylor
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV51%52.3%
Age12 yr17 yr
Price£72.95£97.24
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is better value at £73 vs £97.

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

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

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£72.95 vs £97.24)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£97.24 vs £72.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Islay?

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

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

Dried FruitToastedCooked FruitNutty

Only Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokeyOld WoodMedicinal

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