Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Loch Lomond 10 Year Old 2009 (cask 9526) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

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

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)Loch Lomond 10 Year Old 2009 (cask 9526) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
DistilleryBalblairLoch Lomond
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%52%
Age17 yr10 yr
Price£68.12£68.95
Rating5.00/5

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

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

Loch Lomond 10 Year Old 2009 (cask 9526) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Loch Lomond 10 Year Old 2009 (cask 9526) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is better value at £68 vs £69.

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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Loch Lomond 10 Year Old 2009 (cask 9526) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£68.95 vs £68.12)
  • 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 Loch?

Loch Lomond 10 Year Old 2009 (cask 9526) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) 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 Loch Lomond 10 Year Old 2009 (cask 9526) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Malt ExtractFresh Fruit

Where to buy

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

Loch Lomond 10 Year Old 2009 (cask 9526) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

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