Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) vs Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay

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

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay
DistilleryBalvenieElements of Islay
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%45%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£20.95£29.94
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £30.

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 affordable (£20.95 vs £29.94)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£29.94 vs £20.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Peat?

Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

SherriedVanillaHoneyCooked FruitToasted

Only Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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