Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

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

Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
DistilleryIan MacleodLinkwood
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.1%46%
Age8 yr12 yr
Price£47.51£49.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value100/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) is better value at £48 vs £50.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£47.51 vs £49.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £47.51)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Islay?

Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)

SmokeyKipperyOilyNew WoodMedicinal

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SherriedHoneyChocolateDried FruitToasted

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