Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) | Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Mortlach |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.8% |
| Age | 17 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £68.12 | £49.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Quick verdict
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is better value at £50 vs £68.
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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 13 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£68.12 vs £49.95)
Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£49.95 vs £68.12)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
- −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 Mortlach?
Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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 Mortlach 1998 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)