Laphroaig 10 Year Old 35cl vs Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Laphroaig 10 Year Old 35cl | Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £24.99 | £20.95 |
| Rating | 4.83/5 | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 10 Year Old 35cl
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Laphroaig 10 Year Old 35cl
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.83).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £25.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 10 Year Old 35cl
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£24.99 vs £20.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£20.95 vs £24.99)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 10 Year Old 35cl suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) 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 Laphroaig 10 Year Old 35cl
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)