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 Old | Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Gelston's | Weeknight Whisky |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 41.2% | 40% |
| Age | 5 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £26.84 | £31.95 |
| Rating | 3.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Gelston's 5 Year Old
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
Gelston's 5 Year Old
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
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
Only Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

