Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

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

Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
DistilleryMurray McDavidBrackla
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV41.1%40%
Age34 yr21 yr
Price£356.47£219.99
Rating5.00/5

Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value23/100

Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is better value at £220 vs £356.

For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (34 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£356.47 vs £219.99)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£219.99 vs £356.47)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Malts?

Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld Wood

Only Malts of Islay 34 Year Old 1989 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Dried FruitSmokeyChocolate

Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

VanillaCooked FruitToasted

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