WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World vs Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
WhistlePig
★ 5.00
£124
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
Ballantine's
★ 5.00
£199
| WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World | Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | WhistlePig | Ballantine's |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Rye | Blended |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £124 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
Quick verdict
WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is better value at £124 vs £199.
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
- +More affordable (£124 vs £199)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£199 vs £124)
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 Ballantine's?
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World
Only Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s