Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) vs Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)
Murray McDavid
£28
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£21
| Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) | Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Murray McDavid | Balvenie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 8 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £28.22 | £20.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £28.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£28.22 vs £20.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£20.95 vs £28.22)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Cult?
Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) 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
Only Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)