J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt vs Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old – Icons 2.0

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

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended MaltJohnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old – Icons 2.0
DistilleryJ.G Thomson & Co.Johnnie Walker
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV46%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£39.9£29.45
Rating5.00/5

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old – Icons 2.0

Smoke64/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old – Icons 2.0

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old – Icons 2.0 is better value at £29 vs £40.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old – Icons 2.0 is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£39.9 vs £29.45)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old – Icons 2.0

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.45 vs £39.9)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy J.G.?

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old – Icons 2.0 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 J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt

SherriedDried FruitChocolateNuttyToasted

Only Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old – Icons 2.0

SmokeyHoneyCooked FruitVanillaFresh Fruit

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