Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail) vs Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)
Linkwood
£955
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Bruichladdich
★ 4.31
£599
| Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail) | Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 64% |
| Age | 43 yr | 5 yr |
| Price | £954.95 | £599 |
| Rating | — | 4.31/5 |
Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)
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 £955.
For beginners: Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (43 vs 5 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£954.95 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 £954.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (64%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail) 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 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 Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)
Only Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley