The Hive 8 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) vs Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

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

The Hive 8 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
DistilleryWemyss MaltsTullamore D.E.W.
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV40%55%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£34.84£45.95
Rating5.00/5

The Hive 8 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner100/100
Value0/100

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

The Hive 8 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Hive 8 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) is better value at £35 vs £46.

For beginners: The Hive 8 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

The Hive 8 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£34.84 vs £45.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£45.95 vs £34.84)

Who should buy The?

The Hive 8 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) 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 Tullamore?

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyVanilla

Only The Hive 8 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)

Malt Extract

Only Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

SherriedCooked FruitToasted

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