Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
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

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
★ 5.00
£43
| Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) | TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ian Macleod | Thompson Bros. |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 58.1% | 46% |
| Age | 8 yr | 6 yr |
| Price | £47.51 | £42.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Quick verdict
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £48.
For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (8 vs 6 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.51 vs £42.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +More affordable (£42.95 vs £47.51)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −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 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
Only Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)