James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old vs Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old
Caol Ila
£48
Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast
Timorous Beastie
★ 5.00
£63
| James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old | Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Timorous Beastie |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 48.3% | 52.5% |
| Age | 8 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £47.95 | £62.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old
Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast
James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old
Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast
Quick verdict
Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old is better value at £48 vs £63.
For beginners: Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£47.95 vs £62.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£62.95 vs £47.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy James?
James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Timorous?
Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old
Only Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast
Where to buy
James Eadie’s Islay 8 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Timorous Beastie 13 Year Old – Meet The Beast
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange