WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World vs Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

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

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old WorldBalmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls
DistilleryWhistlePigBalmenach
RegionSpeyside
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeSingle Malt
ABV43%44.9%
Age12 yr22 yr
Price£124£108.95
Rating5.00/5

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value40/100

Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls is better value at £109 vs £124.

For beginners: WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£124 vs £108.95)

Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

Pros

  • +More affordable (£108.95 vs £124)
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy WhistlePig?

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World 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 Balmenach?

Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyVanilla

Only WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Balmenach 22 Year Old - Living Souls

Malt ExtractToastedOld Wood

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