Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) vs J.G. Thomson Smoky Blended Malt
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£21
J.G. Thomson Smoky Blended Malt
J.G Thomson & Co.
★ 4.00
£34
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | J.G. Thomson Smoky Blended Malt | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | J.G Thomson & Co. |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £20.95 | £34.33 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
J.G. Thomson Smoky Blended Malt
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
J.G. Thomson Smoky Blended Malt
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £34.
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 £34.33)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
J.G. Thomson Smoky Blended Malt
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.33 vs £20.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 J.G.?
J.G. Thomson Smoky Blended Malt 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 J.G. Thomson Smoky Blended Malt