Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) vs Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£21
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Johnnie Walker
£19
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Johnnie Walker |
| Region | Speyside | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £20.95 | £18.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0 is better value at £19 vs £21.
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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£20.95 vs £18.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£18.5 vs £20.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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 Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Only Johnnie Walker Red Label – Icons 2.0