Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
Ian Macleod
★ 5.00
£48
The Big Smoke 46
Duncan Taylor
★ 5.00
£34
| Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod) | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ian Macleod | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 58.1% | 46% |
| Age | 8 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £47.51 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
The Big Smoke 46
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £48.
For beginners: The Big Smoke 46 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.51 vs £34.3)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£34.3 vs £47.51)
- +Longer maturation (10 vs 8 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 The?
The Big Smoke 46 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
Both taste of
Only Islay 8 Year Old - As We Get It (Ian Macleod)