Glen Garioch 11 Year Old 2008 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr) vs Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

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

Glen Garioch 11 Year Old 2008 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
DistilleryGlen GariochBalblair
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%53.7%
Age11 yr20 yr
Price£48.95£60.45
Rating2.00/55.00/5

Glen Garioch 11 Year Old 2008 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value41/100

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

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

Glen Garioch 11 Year Old 2008 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.00).

Glen Garioch 11 Year Old 2008 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £49 vs £60.

For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Glen Garioch 11 Year Old 2008 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£48.95 vs £60.45)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (2.0 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)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£60.45 vs £48.95)

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Garioch 11 Year Old 2008 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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

Honey

Only Glen Garioch 11 Year Old 2008 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

VanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

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