Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy vs Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy | Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ararat | Balvenie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £29.25 | £20.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy
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 £29.
For beginners: Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
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)
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
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.
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 Ararat 5 Year Old Brandy
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

