Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old
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

The Antiquary 21 Year Old
The Antiquary
★ 5.00
£85
| Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | The Antiquary 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | The Antiquary |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 52.9% | 43% |
| Age | 17 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £86.96 | £84.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £87.
For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£86.96 vs £84.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£84.9 vs £86.96)
Cons
- −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 The?
The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old