Black Bottle Andean Oak - Alchemy Series vs Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Black Bottle Andean Oak - Alchemy Series
Black Bottle
★ 4.33
£26
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£21
| Black Bottle Andean Oak - Alchemy Series | Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Black Bottle | Balvenie |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.3% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £25.95 | £20.95 |
| Rating | 4.33/5 | 5.00/5 |
Black Bottle Andean Oak - Alchemy Series
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Black Bottle Andean Oak - Alchemy Series
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £26.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Black Bottle Andean Oak - Alchemy Series
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£25.95 vs £20.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)
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 £25.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Black?
Black Bottle Andean Oak - 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.
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
Both taste of
Only Black Bottle Andean Oak - Alchemy Series
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)