Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 7535729) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

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

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 7535729) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
DistilleryCraigellachieBruichladdich
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.9%50%
Age13 yr6 yr
Price£104.57£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 7535729) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Smoke65/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value75/100

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 7535729) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is better value at £67 vs £105.

For beginners: Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 7535729) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£104.57 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £104.57)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 7535729) - 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.

Who should buy Port?

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only Craigellachie 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 7535729) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

HoneyVanillaToastedMalt Extract

Only Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

SmokeyOilyKippery

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