Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth vs Ragtime Rye Whiskey
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth
Dewar's
★ 4.50
£31
Ragtime Rye Whiskey
New York Distilling Company
★ 5.00
£39
| Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth | Ragtime Rye Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dewar's | New York Distilling Company |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Blended | Rye |
| ABV | 40% | 45.2% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £31.08 | £38.99 |
| Rating | 4.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth
Ragtime Rye Whiskey
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth
Ragtime Rye Whiskey
Quick verdict
Ragtime Rye Whiskey is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth is better value at £31 vs £39.
For beginners: Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£31.08 vs £38.99)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
Ragtime Rye Whiskey
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£38.99 vs £31.08)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Dewar's?
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth 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.
Who should buy Ragtime?
Ragtime Rye Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.
Tasting notes
Only Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth
Only Ragtime Rye Whiskey