MacPhail's 12 Year Old vs Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021

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

MacPhail's 12 Year OldScallywag The Winter Edition 2021
DistilleryGordon & MacPhailScallywag
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%53.1%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£43.95£49
Rating5.00/5

MacPhail's 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

MacPhail's 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

MacPhail's 12 Year Old is better value at £44 vs £49.

For beginners: MacPhail's 12 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

MacPhail's 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£43.95 vs £49)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49 vs £43.95)

Who should buy MacPhail's?

MacPhail's 12 Year Old 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 Winter Edition 2021 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaChocolate

Only MacPhail's 12 Year Old

Cooked FruitFresh Fruit

Only Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021

SherriedDried FruitHoney

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