BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus vs Lower East Side Blended Malt

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

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus FumosusLower East Side Blended Malt
DistilleryBenriachLower East Side
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£32.12£29.9
Rating4.86/55.00/5

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.86).

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £32.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£32.12 vs £29.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£29.9 vs £32.12)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy BenRiach?

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt 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.

Tasting notes

Only BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus

SmokeySherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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