Balmenach 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 150012) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balmenach 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 150012) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Balmenach
£46

The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey
Sliabh Liag
★ 5.00
£38
| Balmenach 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 150012) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | Sliabh Liag |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 46% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £46.33 | £37.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 150012) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 150012) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey
Quick verdict
The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey is better value at £38 vs £46.
For beginners: Balmenach 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 150012) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 150012) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£46.33 vs £37.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£37.95 vs £46.33)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 150012) - Benchmark (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 Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balmenach 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 150012) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Only The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey