Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky vs Benromach 5 Year Old

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

Aquila 12 Year Old WhiskyBenromach 5 Year Old
DistilleryAquilaBenromach
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.3%40%
Age12 yr5 yr
Price£34.95£26.83
Rating4.80/54.00/5

Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Benromach 5 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness90/100
Beginner90/100
Value100/100

Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Benromach 5 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky is rated higher (4.80 vs 4.00).

Benromach 5 Year Old is better value at £27 vs £35.

For beginners: Benromach 5 Year Old is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 5 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£34.95 vs £26.83)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Benromach 5 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£26.83 vs £34.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 4.8)

Who should buy Aquila?

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

Who should buy Benromach?

Benromach 5 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.

Tasting notes

Only Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky

HoneyNuttySherriedToastedFresh Fruit

Only Benromach 5 Year Old

SmokeyCitricHay-likeVanillaLeafy

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