Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) vs Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Ararat |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £20.95 | £29.25 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy
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 £29.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
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 £29.25)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£29.25 vs £20.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Ararat?
Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Only Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy