Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition vs Deanston 12 Year Old

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited EditionDeanston 12 Year Old
DistilleryJohnnie WalkerDeanston
RegionOther ScotchHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%46.3%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£29.95£36.9
Rating4.38/54.13/5

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Deanston 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner70/100
Value100/100

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Deanston 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition is rated higher (4.38 vs 4.13).

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition is better value at £30 vs £37.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (4.4/5)
  • +More affordable (£29.95 vs £36.9)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Deanston 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£36.9 vs £29.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.1 vs 4.4)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition 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 Deanston?

Deanston 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition

SmokeyToastedVanillaDried FruitHoney

Only Deanston 12 Year Old

CitricHay-likeMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

Explore more