Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old vs Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year OldArdlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryWeeknight WhiskyArdmore
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%58.9%
Age8 yr13 yr
Price£31.95£44.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

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

Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is better value at £32 vs £45.

For beginners: Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£31.95 vs £44.95)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£44.95 vs £31.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Ardlair?

Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt ExtractToasted

Where to buy

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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