Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old vs Bushmills Original

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

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year OldBushmills Original
DistilleryWeeknight WhiskyBushmills
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV40%40%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£31.95£22.95
Rating5.00/53.82/5

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

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

Bushmills Original

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

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bushmills Original

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.82).

Bushmills Original is better value at £23 vs £32.

For beginners: Bushmills Original is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

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)

Cons

  • More expensive (£31.95 vs £22.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Bushmills Original

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£22.95 vs £31.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.8 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Bushmills?

Bushmills Original 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.

Tasting notes

Only Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Bushmills Original

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaFresh Fruit

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