Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) vs Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Balblair
£86
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£87
| Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) | Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Strathisla |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.2% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £85.5 | £87.07 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Quick verdict
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) is better value at £86 vs £87.
For beginners: Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Pros
- +More affordable (£85.5 vs £87.07)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£87.07 vs £85.5)
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) 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 Strathisla?
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Only Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Where to buy
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange