Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

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

Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryBlair AtholThompson Bros.
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV52.1%46%
Age8 yr6 yr
Price£64.9£42.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner50/100
Value77/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £65.

For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (8 vs 6 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£64.9 vs £42.95)

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £64.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Blair?

Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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.

Who should buy TB/BSW?

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) 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

SherriedHoney

Only Blair Athol 8 Year Old 2015 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Dried FruitToastedOld Wood

Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Cooked FruitNuttyTobacco

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