Orkney 20 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

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

Orkney 20 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
DistilleryThompson Bros.The Lakes Distillery
Region
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.5%52%
Age20 yrNAS
Price£120£84.95
Rating5.00/5

Orkney 20 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value59/100

Orkney 20 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £120.

For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Orkney 20 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£120 vs £84.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £120)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water

Who should buy Orkney?

Orkney 20 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.) 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 The?

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Orkney 20 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

Fresh FruitOilyHay-likeMalt Extract

Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SherriedVanillaHoney

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