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)
Douglas Laing
★ 5.00
£40

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
Tullamore D.E.W.
★ 5.00
£46
| Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling) | Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Douglas Laing | Tullamore D.E.W. |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 55% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £39.98 | £45.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)
Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)
Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
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
Only Islay & Highland - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) (Old Bottling)
Only Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix