Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid) vs Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

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

Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1
DistilleryImperialTomatin
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV42.7%46%
Age35 yr36 yr
Price£699.95£494.02
Rating5.00/5

Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value10/100

Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 is better value at £494 vs £700.

For beginners: Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£699.95 vs £494.02)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£494.02 vs £699.95)
  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 35 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Imperial?

Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid) 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 Tomatin?

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Vanilla

Only Imperial 35 Year Old 1989 - Aficionado (Murray McDavid)

Fresh FruitHoneyCooked FruitSmokey

Only Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

ChocolateOld WoodSherriedToasted

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