Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Craigellachie 11 Year Old 2006 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (57.6%)

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

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)Craigellachie 11 Year Old 2006 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (57.6%)
DistilleryBalblairCraigellachie
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.6%
Age17 yr11 yr
Price£68.12£79.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner80/100
Value73/100

Craigellachie 11 Year Old 2006 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (57.6%)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner30/100
Value50/100

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Craigellachie 11 Year Old 2006 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (57.6%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is better value at £68 vs £80.

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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Craigellachie 11 Year Old 2006 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (57.6%)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (57.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£79.95 vs £68.12)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

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 Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 11 Year Old 2006 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (57.6%) 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

Toasted

Only Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

SherriedVanillaHoney

Only Craigellachie 11 Year Old 2006 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (57.6%)

SmokeyOilyMalt ExtractNew Wood

Where to buy

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

Craigellachie 11 Year Old 2006 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) (57.6%)

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