Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Killowen Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey

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

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)Killowen Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey
DistilleryBalblairKillowen
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%55%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£68.12£50.5
Rating5.00/5

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

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

Killowen Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Killowen Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Killowen Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey is better value at £51 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£68.12 vs £50.5)

Killowen Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£50.5 vs £68.12)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Killowen?

Killowen Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey 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

SherriedVanillaHoney

Only Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

Toasted

Only Killowen Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey

Dried FruitCooked Fruit

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