Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black vs Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black
Smokehead
★ 4.91
£250

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Teaninich
★ 5.00
£344
| Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black | Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Smokehead | Teaninich |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 65% |
| Age | 18 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £250 | £344.14 |
| Rating | 4.91/5 | 5.00/5 |
Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).
Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black is better value at £250 vs £344.
For beginners: Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £344.14)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (65%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£344.14 vs £250)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Smokehead?
Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Teaninich?
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black
Only Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts