Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) vs Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
Linkwood
★ 5.00
£83
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£69
| Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) | Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | Balblair |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.9% | 50% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £82.95 | £69.3 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is better value at £69 vs £83.
For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£82.95 vs £69.3)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£69.3 vs £82.95)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) 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.
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)