Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition vs BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition
Ballantine's
£24
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Benriach
★ 4.86
£32
| Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition | BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | Benriach |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £24.48 | £32.12 |
| Rating | — | 4.86/5 |
Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Quick verdict
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus is rated higher (4.86 vs 0.00).
Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition is better value at £24 vs £32.
For beginners: Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£24.48 vs £32.12)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£32.12 vs £24.48)
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition 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 BenRiach?
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Ballantine's Finest Queen Edition
Only BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus