The Glenrothes 12 Year Old vs Balmenach 15 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Glenrothes 12 Year Old
Glenrothes
★ 3.78
£5

Balmenach 15 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique Whisky Company)
Balmenach
£6
| The Glenrothes 12 Year Old | Balmenach 15 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenrothes | Balmenach |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 49.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £5.3 | £6.01 |
| Rating | 3.78/5 | — |
The Glenrothes 12 Year Old
Balmenach 15 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique Whisky Company)
The Glenrothes 12 Year Old
Balmenach 15 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
The Glenrothes 12 Year Old is rated higher (3.78 vs 0.00).
The Glenrothes 12 Year Old is better value at £5 vs £6.
For beginners: Balmenach 15 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique Whisky Company) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Glenrothes 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (3.8/5)
- +More affordable (£5.3 vs £6.01)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Balmenach 15 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£6.01 vs £5.3)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 3.8)
Who should buy The?
The Glenrothes 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 15 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique Whisky Company) 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 The Glenrothes 12 Year Old
Only Balmenach 15 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique Whisky Company)