Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Bladnoch 9 Year Old Lightly Peated

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

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Bladnoch 9 Year Old Lightly Peated
DistilleryBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)Bladnoch
RegionSpeysideLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%53.6%
Age9 yr9 yr
Price£49.95£37.45
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Bladnoch 9 Year Old Lightly Peated

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bladnoch 9 Year Old Lightly Peated

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bladnoch 9 Year Old Lightly Peated is better value at £37 vs £50.

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
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £37.45)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bladnoch 9 Year Old Lightly Peated

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£37.45 vs £49.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.6%) — may need water

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 Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 9 Year Old Lightly Peated 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 Bladnoch 9 Year Old Lightly Peated

SmokeyToastedFresh FruitMalt Extract

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