Hawkshead English Whisky vs The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hawkshead English Whisky
Hawkshead Distillery
★ 4.50
£20

The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe
The Gladstone Axe
★ 4.33
£27
| Hawkshead English Whisky | The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hawkshead Distillery | The Gladstone Axe |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | England | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 41% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £19.95 | £27.36 |
| Rating | 4.50/5 | 4.33/5 |
Hawkshead English Whisky
The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe
Hawkshead English Whisky
The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe
Quick verdict
Hawkshead English Whisky is rated higher (4.50 vs 4.33).
Hawkshead English Whisky is better value at £20 vs £27.
For beginners: Hawkshead English Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Hawkshead English Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (4.5/5)
- +More affordable (£19.95 vs £27.36)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£27.36 vs £19.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 vs 4.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Hawkshead?
Hawkshead English Whisky 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 The?
The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Hawkshead English Whisky
Only The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe