Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (59.9%)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£68
Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (59.9%)
Fettercairn
★ 5.00
£112
| Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) | Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (59.9%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Fettercairn |
| Region | Highland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 59.9% |
| Age | 17 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £68.12 | £111.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (59.9%)
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (59.9%)
Quick verdict
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is better value at £68 vs £112.
For beginners: Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£68.12 vs £111.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (59.9%)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£111.95 vs £68.12)
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) 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 Fettercairn?
Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (59.9%) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Only Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (59.9%)