Gelston's 5 Year Old vs Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

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

Gelston's 5 Year OldWeeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
DistilleryGelston'sWeeknight Whisky
Region
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV41.2%40%
Age5 yr8 yr
Price£26.84£31.95
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Gelston's 5 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

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

Gelston's 5 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Gelston's 5 Year Old is better value at £27 vs £32.

For beginners: Gelston's 5 Year Old is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Gelston's 5 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£26.84 vs £31.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.0 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (8 vs 5 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£31.95 vs £26.84)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Gelston's?

Gelston's 5 Year Old 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 Gelston's 5 Year Old

SherriedHoneyVanillaToastedYeasty

Only Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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