Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail vs Balblair 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£199
Balblair 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Balblair
£175
| Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail | Balblair 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Balblair |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.7% | 50.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £199 | £175 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail
Balblair 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail
Balblair 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balblair 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £175 vs £199.
For beginners: Balblair 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£199 vs £175)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balblair 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£175 vs £199)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail 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 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Only Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail
Only Balblair 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 1075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)