Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid) vs The XL Blend - Batch 1
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)
Imperial
£700
The XL Blend - Batch 1
The Blended Whisky Company
★ 4.86
£549
| Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid) | The XL Blend - Batch 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Imperial | The Blended Whisky Company |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 42.7% | 46.3% |
| Age | 35 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £699.95 | £548.95 |
| Rating | — | 4.86/5 |
Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)
The XL Blend - Batch 1
Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)
The XL Blend - Batch 1
Quick verdict
The XL Blend - Batch 1 is rated higher (4.86 vs 0.00).
The XL Blend - Batch 1 is better value at £549 vs £700.
For beginners: Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£699.95 vs £548.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
The XL Blend - Batch 1
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
- +More affordable (£548.95 vs £699.95)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 35 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Imperial?
Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid) 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 The?
The XL Blend - Batch 1 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 Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)
Only The XL Blend - Batch 1