Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi) vs Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

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

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)
DistilleryAdelphiTobermory
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.1%68.2%
Age12 yr8 yr
Price£64.95£65.84
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value77/100

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner40/100
Value76/100

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi) is better value at £65 vs £66.

For beginners: Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£64.95 vs £65.84)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (68.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£65.84 vs £64.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Breath?

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi) 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 Tobermory?

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) 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 Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 1999 (Adelphi)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCoal-gas

Only Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitVanillaToasted

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