Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8 vs Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

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

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
DistilleryBenchmarkWeeknight Whisky
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV40%40%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£23.79£31.95
Rating4.29/55.00/5

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner70/100
Value100/100

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.29).

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8 is better value at £24 vs £32.

For beginners: Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£23.79 vs £31.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£31.95 vs £23.79)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Benchmark?

Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8 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.

Who should buy Weeknight?

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

Tasting notes

Only Benchmark Bourbon Old Number 8

VanillaMalt ExtractToastedHoney

Only Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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