Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth vs Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Dewar's
★ 4.20
£32
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£30
| Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth | Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dewar's | Master of Malt |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 8 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £31.5 | £29.95 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | 5.00/5 |
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is better value at £30 vs £32.
For beginners: Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£31.5 vs £29.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£29.95 vs £31.5)
- +Longer maturation (9 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Dewar's?
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth 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 Secret?
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Only Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)