Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 vs Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

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

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)
DistilleryScallywagWemyss Malts
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV48%52%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£56.25£54.5
Rating5.00/54.50/5

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness25/100
Beginner35/100
Value83/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts) is better value at £55 vs £56.

For beginners: Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£56.25 vs £54.5)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£54.5 vs £56.25)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)

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 Spice?

Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

Only Spice King 12 Year Old Highland and Islay (Wemyss Malts)

SmokeyCitricFragantToasted

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