Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 10434) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

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

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 10434) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryLochnagarThompson Bros.
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV48.4%46%
Age17 yr6 yr
Price£66.46£42.95
Rating5.00/5

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 10434) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 10434) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £66.

For beginners: Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 10434) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 10434) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 6 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.46 vs £42.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £66.46)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 10434) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 TB/BSW?

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 10434) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodDried FruitLeathery

Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyTobacco

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