Islay 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Islay 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Darkness
★ 5.00
£55
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
★ 5.00
£43
| Islay 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) | TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Darkness | Thompson Bros. |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 55% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 6 yr |
| Price | £54.95 | £42.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Islay 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Islay 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Quick verdict
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £55.
For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Islay 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 6 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£54.95 vs £42.95)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£42.95 vs £54.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Islay?
Islay 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) 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.
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
Only Islay 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)