Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryBalmenachScallywag
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV57.8%48%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£44.95£56.25
Rating4.63/55.00/5

Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value89/100

Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.63).

Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) is better value at £45 vs £56.

For beginners: Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£44.95 vs £56.25)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£56.25 vs £44.95)

Who should buy Balmenach?

Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Scallywag?

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 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 Balmenach 8 Year Old 2013 (Master of Malt)

VanillaHoneyToastedMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

Explore more