Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£86

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
Scallywag
★ 5.00
£56
| Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Scallywag |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £85.82 | £56.25 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
Quick verdict
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is better value at £56 vs £86.
For beginners: Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£85.82 vs £56.25)
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£56.25 vs £85.82)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Scallywag?
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Balblair 21 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023