Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) vs Reference Series III.1
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£287

Reference Series III.1
Reference Series
★ 5.00
£279
| Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) | Reference Series III.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Reference Series |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 47.7% |
| Age | 40 yr | NAS |
| Price | £286.95 | £278.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Reference Series III.1
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Reference Series III.1
Quick verdict
Reference Series III.1 is better value at £279 vs £287.
For beginners: Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£286.95 vs £278.95)
Reference Series III.1
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£278.95 vs £286.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Master?
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Reference?
Reference Series III.1 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 Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Only Reference Series III.1