Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

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

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star SpiritsTB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
DistillerySouth Star SpiritsThompson Bros.
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV48%46%
Age8 yr6 yr
Price£42.5£42.95
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits

Smoke67/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value94/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits is better value at £43 vs £43.

For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£42.5 vs £42.95)
  • +Longer maturation (8 vs 6 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£42.95 vs £42.5)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Islay?

Islay 8 Year Old 2013 - South Star Spirits suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

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 2013 - South Star Spirits

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryKipperyDried Fruit

Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyHoneyTobacco

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