Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£68
Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Bunnahabhain
★ 4.67
£49
| Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) | Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43% |
| Age | 17 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £68.12 | £48.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.67/5 |
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).
Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £49 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 11 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£68.12 vs £48.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£48.95 vs £68.12)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.7 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 Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Only Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)