Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts) vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

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

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryWemyss MaltsThompson Bros.
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV52%46%
Age12 yr6 yr
Price£54.5£42.95
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness25/100
Beginner35/100
Value83/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

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

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £55.

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

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 6 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£54.5 vs £42.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £54.5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Spice?

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts) 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 Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

SmokeyCitricFragantToasted

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

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyHoneyTobacco

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