Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured vs Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

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

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask MaturedIslay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryDeanstonDuncan Taylor
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV58.7%54.4%
Age9 yr15 yr
Price£49.96£47
Rating5.00/5

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £47 vs £50.

For beginners: Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.96 vs £47)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£47 vs £49.96)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 9 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Deanston?

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine 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.

Who should buy Islay?

Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (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 Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Cooked FruitFresh FruitVanilla

Only Islay Blended Malt 15 Year Old 1997 (cask 986016) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

SmokeyMedicinalDried Fruit

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