Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special ReserveScallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryTullamore D.E.W.Scallywag
RegionSpeyside
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%48%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£57.33£56.25
Rating3.82/55.00/5

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value67/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value89/100

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.82).

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is better value at £56 vs £57.

For beginners: Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£57.33 vs £56.25)
  • Lower community rating (3.8 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£56.25 vs £57.33)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Tullamore?

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve 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 Scallywag?

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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