Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) vs Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt

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

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt
DistilleryBalvenieSheep Dip
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£20.95£30.49
Rating5.00/54.73/5

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

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

Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner70/100
Value100/100

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.73).

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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£20.95 vs £30.49)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£30.49 vs £20.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.7 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 Sheep?

Sheep Dip Islay 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)

SherriedVanillaHoneyCooked FruitToasted

Only Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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