Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Locke's 8 Year Old

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

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Locke's 8 Year Old
DistilleryBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)Locke's
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%40%
Age9 yr8 yr
Price£49.95£37.32
Rating5.00/54.33/5

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value100/100

Locke's 8 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Locke's 8 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).

Locke's 8 Year Old is better value at £37 vs £50.

For beginners: Locke's 8 Year Old is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (9 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £37.32)

Locke's 8 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£37.32 vs £49.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Braeval?

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Locke's?

Locke's 8 Year Old 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

Honey

Only Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOily

Only Locke's 8 Year Old

CitricFresh FruitVanillaMalt Extract

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