Redbreast 12 Year Old vs The Scalasaig Island Hopper
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Redbreast 12 Year Old | The Scalasaig Island Hopper | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Redbreast | The Scalasaig |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Pot Still | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £51.95 | £48.25 |
| Rating | 4.61/5 | 5.00/5 |
Redbreast 12 Year Old
The Scalasaig Island Hopper
Redbreast 12 Year Old
The Scalasaig Island Hopper
Quick verdict
The Scalasaig Island Hopper is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.61).
The Scalasaig Island Hopper is better value at £48 vs £52.
For beginners: Redbreast 12 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Redbreast 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£51.95 vs £48.25)
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
The Scalasaig Island Hopper
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£48.25 vs £51.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Redbreast?
Redbreast 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 The?
The Scalasaig Island Hopper suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Redbreast 12 Year Old
Only The Scalasaig Island Hopper

