The Scalasaig Island Hopper vs Redbreast 12 Year Old

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

The Scalasaig Island HopperRedbreast 12 Year Old
DistilleryThe ScalasaigRedbreast
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV46.5%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£48.25£51.95
Rating5.00/54.61/5

The Scalasaig Island Hopper

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Redbreast 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner75/100
Value89/100

The Scalasaig Island Hopper

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Redbreast 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Scalasaig Island Hopper is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.61).

The Scalasaig Island Hopper is better value at £48 vs £52.

For beginners: Redbreast 12 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

The Scalasaig Island Hopper

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£48.25 vs £51.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Redbreast 12 Year Old

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£51.95 vs £48.25)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy The?

The Scalasaig Island Hopper suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Who should buy Redbreast?

Redbreast 12 Year Old 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only The Scalasaig Island Hopper

SmokeyDried FruitOilyMedicinal

Only Redbreast 12 Year Old

HoneyCooked FruitVanillaNutty

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