Ballantine's 12 Year Old vs Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ballantine's 12 Year Old | Elijah Craig Straight Rye | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | Elijah Craig |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Blended | Rye |
| ABV | 40% | 47% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £34.48 | £46.75 |
| Rating | 4.33/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Quick verdict
Elijah Craig Straight Rye is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).
Ballantine's 12 Year Old is better value at £34 vs £47.
For beginners: Ballantine's 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£34.48 vs £46.75)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)
Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£46.75 vs £34.48)
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's 12 Year Old 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 Elijah?
Elijah Craig Straight Rye suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Only Elijah Craig Straight Rye