Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980sScallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryBell'sScallywag
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%48%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£59.99£56.25
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value83/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value89/100

Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is better value at £56 vs £60.

For beginners: Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£59.99 vs £56.25)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£56.25 vs £59.99)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bell's?

Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s 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 Scallywag?

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Bell's De Luxe 12 Year Old - 1980s

VanillaHoneyToastedMalt ExtractOld Wood

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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