Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney vs Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

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

Master of Malt 12 Year Old OrkneyMulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryMaster of MaltMurray McDavid
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%50%
Age12 yr8 yr
Price£34.95£46.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney

Smoke64/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner90/100
Value100/100

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney is better value at £35 vs £47.

For beginners: Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£34.95 vs £46.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£46.95 vs £34.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Master?

Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Mulben?

Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney

HoneySmokeyMalt Extract

Only Mulben Moor 8 Year Old 2010 (cask 137/138 & 31/32) - Mystery Malt (Murray McDavid)

Cooked FruitSherriedToastedVanillaOily

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