Glenmorangie 1979 / Bot.1996 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenmorangie 1979 / Bot.1996 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenmorangie
£700
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Bruichladdich
★ 4.31
£599
| Glenmorangie 1979 / Bot.1996 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenmorangie | Bruichladdich |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 64% |
| Age | NAS | 5 yr |
| Price | £700 | £599 |
| Rating | — | 4.31/5 |
Glenmorangie 1979 / Bot.1996 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Glenmorangie 1979 / Bot.1996 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Quick verdict
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley is rated higher (4.31 vs 0.00).
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley is better value at £599 vs £700.
For beginners: Glenmorangie 1979 / Bot.1996 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Glenmorangie 1979 / Bot.1996 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£700 vs £599)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.3)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.3/5)
- +More affordable (£599 vs £700)
Cons
- −High ABV (64%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenmorangie?
Glenmorangie 1979 / Bot.1996 Highland Single Malt Scotch 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 Octomore?
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley 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 Glenmorangie 1979 / Bot.1996 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Only Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley