Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Duncan Taylor
£87
Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£100
| Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Master of Malt |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.9% | 55.3% |
| Age | 17 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £86.96 | £99.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £87 vs £100.
For beginners: Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£86.96 vs £99.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 17 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£99.95 vs £86.96)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Islay?
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (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.
Who should buy Secret?
Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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
Only Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Secret Speyside Distillery 24 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)