Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0 vs Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Johnnie Walker
£19
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£21
| Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0 | Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Johnnie Walker | Balvenie |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £18.5 | £20.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0 is better value at £19 vs £21.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£18.5 vs £20.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£20.95 vs £18.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0 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 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
Both taste of
Only Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)