Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

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

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryMaster of MaltThompson Bros.
Region
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeGrainBlended
ABV60%46%
Age8 yr6 yr
Price£39.95£42.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £43.

For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£39.95 vs £42.95)
  • +Longer maturation (8 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (60%) — may need water

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£42.95 vs £39.95)

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) 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 TB/BSW?

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Only Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

VanillaMalt ExtractFresh FruitYeasty

Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyHoneyTobacco

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