Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition vs SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

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

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private EditionSMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
DistilleryGlenmorangieGlengoyne
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%55.6%
Age15 yr8 yr
Price£399£495
Rating5.00/5

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is better value at £399 vs £495.

For beginners: Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £495)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£495 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenmorangie?

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 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

Vanilla

Only Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SherriedToastedOld Wood

Only SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Fresh FruitFragantHoneyMalt Extract

Where to buy

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

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