Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) vs Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

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

Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
DistilleryDouglas LaingTullamore D.E.W.
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV46%55%
AgeNASNAS
Price£39.98£45.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) is better value at £40 vs £46.

For beginners: Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£39.98 vs £45.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£45.95 vs £39.98)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Islay?

Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Who should buy Tullamore?

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix 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

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)

SmokeyCitric

Only Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

HoneyVanillaCooked FruitToasted

Explore more