BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus vs Lower East Side Blended Malt
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Benriach
★ 4.86
£32

Lower East Side Blended Malt
Lower East Side
★ 5.00
£30
| BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus | Lower East Side Blended Malt | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Lower East Side |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £32.12 | £29.9 |
| Rating | 4.86/5 | 5.00/5 |
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Lower East Side Blended Malt
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Quick verdict
Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.86).
Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £32.
For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£32.12 vs £29.9)
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£29.9 vs £32.12)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy BenRiach?
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Lower?
Lower East Side Blended Malt 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 BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Only Lower East Side Blended Malt