Balmenach 9 Year Old 2000 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor) vs Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

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

Balmenach 9 Year Old 2000 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
DistilleryBalmenachWeeknight Whisky
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age9 yr8 yr
Price£29.69£31.95
Rating5.00/5

Balmenach 9 Year Old 2000 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

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

Balmenach 9 Year Old 2000 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Balmenach 9 Year Old 2000 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £30 vs £32.

For beginners: Balmenach 9 Year Old 2000 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Balmenach 9 Year Old 2000 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.69 vs £31.95)
  • +Longer maturation (9 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£31.95 vs £29.69)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Balmenach?

Balmenach 9 Year Old 2000 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor) 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 Balmenach 9 Year Old 2000 - NC2 (Duncan Taylor)

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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