Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition vs SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
Glenmorangie
★ 5.00
£399

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Glengoyne
£495
| Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition | SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenmorangie | Glengoyne |
| Region | Highland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 55.6% |
| Age | 15 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £399 | £495 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Quick verdict
Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is better value at £399 vs £495.
For beginners: Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £495)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£495 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Glenmorangie?
Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition 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 SMWS?
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 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
Only Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
Only SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Where to buy
Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange