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)
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£21

Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay
Elements of Islay
£30
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Elements of Islay |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 45% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £20.95 | £29.94 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay
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)
Only Peat (Pure Islay) - Elements Of Islay