Crabbie 1988 vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Crabbie 1988Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryJohn Crabbie & Co.Scallywag
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%48%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£64.06£56.25
Rating5.00/5

Crabbie 1988

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Crabbie 1988

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is better value at £56 vs £64.

For beginners: Crabbie 1988 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Crabbie 1988

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£64.06 vs £56.25)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£56.25 vs £64.06)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Crabbie?

Crabbie 1988 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 Crabbie 1988

Old WoodHoneyVanillaToastedMalt Extract

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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