Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 vs Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s

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

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s
DistilleryScallywagBell's
RegionSpeysideOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV48%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£56.25£59.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value83/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is better value at £56 vs £60.

For beginners: Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£56.25 vs £59.99)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£59.99 vs £56.25)

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.

Who should buy Bell's?

Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s 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 Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

Only Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s

VanillaHoneyToastedMalt ExtractOld Wood

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