Deanston 2002 / 15 Year Old / Marsala Cask Highland Whisky vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Deanston 2002 / 15 Year Old / Marsala Cask Highland WhiskyLedaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryDeanstonTobermory
RegionIsland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%51.7%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£91.5£89.95
Rating5.00/5

Deanston 2002 / 15 Year Old / Marsala Cask Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

Deanston 2002 / 15 Year Old / Marsala Cask Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £92.

For beginners: Deanston 2002 / 15 Year Old / Marsala Cask Highland Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Deanston 2002 / 15 Year Old / Marsala Cask Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£91.5 vs £89.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £91.5)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Deanston?

Deanston 2002 / 15 Year Old / Marsala Cask Highland Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Deanston 2002 / 15 Year Old / Marsala Cask Highland Whisky

Cooked FruitHoneyToastedVanillaSherried

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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