Ballantine's 17 Year Old vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Ballantine's 17 Year OldScallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryBallantine'sScallywag
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%48%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£79.95£56.25
Rating3.06/55.00/5

Ballantine's 17 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner75/100
Value38/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Ballantine's 17 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.06).

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is better value at £56 vs £80.

For beginners: Ballantine's 17 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Ballantine's 17 Year Old

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£79.95 vs £56.25)
  • Lower community rating (3.1 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£56.25 vs £79.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Ballantine's?

Ballantine's 17 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

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 Ballantine's 17 Year Old

HoneyFresh FruitMalt ExtractVanillaToasted

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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