Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Lismore 12 Year Old Special ReserveScallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryLismoreScallywag
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%48%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£42.95£56.25
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve is better value at £43 vs £56.

For beginners: Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £56.25)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£56.25 vs £42.95)

Who should buy Lismore?

Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve 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 Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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