Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) vs SmokeStack
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£21
SmokeStack
The Vintage Malt Whisky Company
★ 4.56
£26
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | SmokeStack | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | The Vintage Malt Whisky Company |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £20.95 | £26.37 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.56/5 |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
SmokeStack
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
SmokeStack
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.56).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £26.
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 £26.37)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
SmokeStack
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£26.37 vs £20.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.6 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 SmokeStack?
SmokeStack 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 SmokeStack