Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Old vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year OldScallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryNikkaScallywag
RegionSpeyside
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%48%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£48.33£56.25
Rating4.61/55.00/5

Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value95/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value89/100

Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.61).

Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Old is better value at £48 vs £56.

For beginners: Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£48.33 vs £56.25)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£56.25 vs £48.33)

Who should buy Nikka?

Nikka Taketsuru 12 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.

Who should buy Scallywag?

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Old

HoneyMalt ExtractVanillaToasted

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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