Clan Denny Islay Blended Malt vs Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

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

Clan Denny Islay Blended MaltBalvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
DistilleryDouglas LaingBalvenie
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£27.95£20.95
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Clan Denny Islay Blended Malt

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner70/100
Value100/100

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Clan Denny Islay Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £28.

For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Clan Denny Islay Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£27.95 vs £20.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£20.95 vs £27.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Clan?

Clan Denny Islay Blended Malt 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 Balvenie?

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) 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

Only Clan Denny Islay Blended Malt

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKipperyLeathery

Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

SherriedVanillaHoneyCooked FruitToasted

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