Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old vs Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 4.15
£50
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
Weeknight Whisky
★ 5.00
£32
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old | Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Weeknight Whisky |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £49.5 | £31.95 |
| Rating | 4.15/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
Quick verdict
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.15).
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old is better value at £32 vs £50.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£49.5 vs £31.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie DoubleWood 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.
Who should buy Weeknight?
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Only Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
Where to buy
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Weeknight Whisky Islay 8 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange