TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) vs Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

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

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)
DistilleryThompson Bros.Wemyss Malts
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV46%52%
Age6 yr12 yr
Price£42.95£54.5
Rating5.00/54.50/5

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

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

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness25/100
Beginner35/100
Value83/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

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).

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £54.5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 6 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£54.5 vs £42.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Spice?

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts) 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.

Tasting notes

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

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyHoneyTobacco

Only Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

SmokeyCitricFragantToasted

Explore more