Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman vs Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)

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

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS TaymanSecret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)
DistilleryLinkwoodMaster of Malt
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%51.1%
Age12 yr10 yr
Price£49.95£39.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value100/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £50.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £39.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£39.95 vs £49.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters 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

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SherriedHoneyChocolateDried FruitToasted

Only Secret Islay Distillery 10 Year Old 2012 (Masters of Malt)

SmokeyMedicinalKippery

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