Pokeno - Origin vs Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Pokeno - Origin | Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pōkeno | Balblair |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | New Zealand | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 53.7% |
| Age | NAS | 20 yr |
| Price | £46.5 | £60.45 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Pokeno - Origin
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Pokeno - Origin
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Pokeno - Origin is better value at £47 vs £60.
For beginners: Pokeno - Origin is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Pokeno - Origin
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£46.5 vs £60.45)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £46.5)
Who should buy Pokeno?
Pokeno - Origin 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 Balblair?
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) 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
Only Pokeno - Origin
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)