Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) vs Islay Journey
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | Islay Journey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Hunter Laing |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £20.95 | £30.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Islay Journey
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Islay Journey
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £31.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£20.95 vs £30.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Islay Journey
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£30.95 vs £20.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Islay?
Islay Journey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Only Islay Journey