Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label) vs Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)
Balvenie
£17
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Black Bottle
★ 4.60
£23
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label) | Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Black Bottle |
| Region | Speyside | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 40% | 46.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £17 | £23.23 |
| Rating | — | 4.60/5 |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Quick verdict
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series is rated higher (4.60 vs 0.00).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label) is better value at £17 vs £23.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label) is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
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 £23.23)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.6)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£23.23 vs £17)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
Who should buy Black?
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) (No Box / Torn Label)
Only Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series