Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) vs GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Rye Wood Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
Ian Macleod
★ 5.00
£48
GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Rye Wood Finish
GlenAllachie
★ 5.00
£50
| Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) | GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Rye Wood Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ian Macleod | GlenAllachie |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.1% | 48% |
| Age | 8 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £47.51 | £49.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Rye Wood Finish
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Rye Wood Finish
Quick verdict
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) is better value at £48 vs £50.
For beginners: GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Rye Wood Finish is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£47.51 vs £49.9)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Rye Wood Finish
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (9 vs 8 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£49.9 vs £47.51)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Islay?
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) 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 GlenAllachie?
GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Rye Wood Finish 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
Only GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Rye Wood Finish