Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) vs Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£21
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Black Bottle
★ 4.60
£23
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Black Bottle |
| Region | Speyside | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 40% | 46.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £20.95 | £23.23 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.60/5 |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.60).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £23.
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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£20.95 vs £23.23)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£23.23 vs £20.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Black?
Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - 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.
Tasting notes
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Only Black Bottle Smoke & Dagger - Alchemy Series