Ballantine's 12 Year Old vs Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Ballantine's
★ 4.33
£34
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£30
| Ballantine's 12 Year Old | Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | Master of Malt |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £34.48 | £29.95 |
| Rating | 4.33/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is better value at £30 vs £34.
For beginners: Ballantine's 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.48 vs £29.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£29.95 vs £34.48)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's 12 Year Old 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 Secret?
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Only Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)