Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bowmore
£75
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60
| Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Balblair |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 53.7% |
| Age | NAS | 20 yr |
| Price | £74.5 | £60.45 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is better value at £60 vs £75.
For beginners: Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£74.5 vs £60.45)
- −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 affordable (£60.45 vs £74.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 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
Only Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Where to buy
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange