Famous Grouse Smoky Black vs Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Famous Grouse
★ 3.44
£20
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)
Balvenie
£17
| Famous Grouse Smoky Black | Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Famous Grouse | Balvenie |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £19.5 | £17 |
| Rating | 3.44/5 | — |
Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)
Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)
Quick verdict
Famous Grouse Smoky Black is rated higher (3.44 vs 0.00).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label) is better value at £17 vs £20.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label) is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (3.4/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£19.5 vs £17)
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£17 vs £19.5)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 3.4)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Famous?
Famous Grouse Smoky Black 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) (No Box / Torn Label) 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 Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)