Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask

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

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask
DistilleryBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)Edradour
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%54.3%
Age9 yr13 yr
Price£49.95£64.05
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value100/100

Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner40/100
Value78/100

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £50 vs £64.

For beginners: Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £64.05)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 9 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£64.05 vs £49.95)

Who should buy Braeval?

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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.

Who should buy Ballechin?

Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateHoneyOily

Only Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask

SmokeyLeatheryCooked FruitOld WoodToasted

Explore more