De Angeles Gran Malbec 2018 vs Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

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

De Angeles Gran Malbec 2018Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
DistilleryDe AngelesBalblair
RegionHighland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%53.7%
AgeNAS20 yr
Price£46.75£60.45
Rating5.00/5

De Angeles Gran Malbec 2018

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value83/100

De Angeles Gran Malbec 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

De Angeles Gran Malbec 2018 is better value at £47 vs £60.

For beginners: De Angeles Gran Malbec 2018 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

De Angeles Gran Malbec 2018

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£46.75 vs £60.45)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£60.45 vs £46.75)

Who should buy De?

De Angeles Gran Malbec 2018 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) 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

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only De Angeles Gran Malbec 2018

Cooked FruitLeatheryTobacco

Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SherriedChocolateHoneyOld Wood

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