North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryNorth BritishScallywag
RegionLowlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainBlended Malt
ABV54.2%48%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£54.5£56.25
Rating5.00/5

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value89/100

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £55 vs £56.

For beginners: North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£54.5 vs £56.25)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£56.25 vs £54.5)

Who should buy North?

North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Scallywag?

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only North British 17 Year Old 2008 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

VanillaToastedOilyHoneyOld Wood

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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