Two whisky glasses on a dark bar, low candlelight

Gentleman's Disagreement

Head-to-Head

Some bottles split the family. When Steve and Alan disagree, we don't average the scores or pretend it didn't happen — we publish both verdicts and let them argue in public. Both scores stand. They always do.

The Head-to-Head

Ardbeg 10

Islay · 46% · £48

87

Alan

The Old Wise One

Stewed orchard fruit and a whisper of smoke. The whisper is the point.

82

Steve

The New Blood

A bonfire in a jam jar. Brilliant, but it shouts.

VS

Both scores stand · They always do

The Head-to-Head

Springbank 10

Campbeltown · 46% · £52

89

Steve

The New Blood

It tastes like a harbour. That's the compliment, Alan.

74

Alan

The Old Wise One

Too much funk for my palate. It tastes like a harbour.

VS

Both scores stand · They always do