Bell's 8 Year Old Extra Special - 1990s vs Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bell's 8 Year Old Extra Special - 1990s
Bell's
£25

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£21
| Bell's 8 Year Old Extra Special - 1990s | Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bell's | Balvenie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | 8 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £25 | £20.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bell's 8 Year Old Extra Special - 1990s
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Bell's 8 Year Old Extra Special - 1990s
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £25.
For beginners: Bell's 8 Year Old Extra Special - 1990s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Bell's 8 Year Old Extra Special - 1990s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£25 vs £20.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£20.95 vs £25)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Bell's?
Bell's 8 Year Old Extra Special - 1990s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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 Bell's 8 Year Old Extra Special - 1990s
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)