Lower East Side Blended Malt vs Paul John Bold

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

Lower East Side Blended MaltPaul John Bold
DistilleryLower East SidePaul John
Region
CountryScotlandIndia
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
AgeNASNAS
Price£29.9£42.99
Rating5.00/54.42/5

Lower East Side Blended Malt

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

Paul John Bold

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Paul John Bold

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.42).

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £43.

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

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 £42.99)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Paul John Bold

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£42.99 vs £29.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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.

Who should buy Paul?

Paul John Bold suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Paul John Bold

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyCoal-gasLeathery

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