Illuminate 12 Year Old vs Lower East Side Blended Malt
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Illuminate 12 Year Old | Lower East Side Blended Malt | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Illuminate | Lower East Side |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 45.8% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £44.95 | £29.9 |
| Rating | 4.67/5 | 5.00/5 |
Illuminate 12 Year Old
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Illuminate 12 Year Old
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Quick verdict
Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).
Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £45.
For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Illuminate 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −More expensive (£44.95 vs £29.9)
- −Lower community rating (4.7 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 £44.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Illuminate?
Illuminate 12 Year Old 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 Illuminate 12 Year Old
Only Lower East Side Blended Malt