Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) vs WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

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

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
DistilleryMurray McDavidWhistlePig
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlendedRye
ABV50%43%
Age32 yr12 yr
Price£185£124
Rating5.00/5

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value40/100

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is better value at £124 vs £185.

For beginners: WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£185 vs £124)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Cult?

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy WhistlePig?

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World 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

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

SmokeyOld WoodOily

Only WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

HoneyVanilla

Explore more