Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 7) - Straight From The Cask vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 7) - Straight From The CaskThe Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryEdradourThe Antiquary
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV51.9%43%
Age14 yr21 yr
Price£110£84.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 7) - Straight From The Cask

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value45/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 7) - Straight From The Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £110.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 7) - Straight From The Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£110 vs £84.9)

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £110)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 14 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ballechin?

Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 7) - Straight From The Cask 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 The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 7) - Straight From The Cask

SmokeyLeatheryCooked Fruit

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SherriedTobaccoNutty

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