Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured vs Speyside 12 Year Old - The Classic Series (Heroes & Heretics)

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

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask MaturedSpeyside 12 Year Old - The Classic Series (Heroes & Heretics)
DistilleryDeanstonHeroes & Heretics
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.7%51%
Age9 yr12 yr
Price£49.96£48.05
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

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

Speyside 12 Year Old - The Classic Series (Heroes & Heretics)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Speyside 12 Year Old - The Classic Series (Heroes & Heretics)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Speyside 12 Year Old - The Classic Series (Heroes & Heretics) is better value at £48 vs £50.

For beginners: Speyside 12 Year Old - The Classic Series (Heroes & Heretics) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.96 vs £48.05)

Speyside 12 Year Old - The Classic Series (Heroes & Heretics)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£48.05 vs £49.96)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51%) — may need water

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 Speyside?

Speyside 12 Year Old - The Classic Series (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.

Tasting notes

Only Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Cooked FruitFresh FruitVanillaSherried

Only Speyside 12 Year Old - The Classic Series (Heroes & Heretics)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedOld WoodDried Fruit

Explore more