Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) vs Lower East Side Blended Malt

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

Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)Lower East Side Blended Malt
DistilleryMurray McDavidLower East Side
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV46%40%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£28.22£29.9
Rating5.00/5

Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) is better value at £28 vs £30.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£28.22 vs £29.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£29.9 vs £28.22)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Cult?

Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - 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 Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt 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

Only Cult of Islay 8 Year Old 2014 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

SherriedSmokeyDried FruitOily

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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