Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Mortlach 11 Year Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside)

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

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)Mortlach 11 Year Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside)
DistilleryBalblairMortlach
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.7%46%
Age20 yr11 yr
Price£60.45£49.95
Rating5.00/5

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

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

Mortlach 11 Year Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 11 Year Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Mortlach 11 Year Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside) is better value at £50 vs £60.

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

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 £49.95)

Mortlach 11 Year Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £60.45)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 11 Year Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

Dried FruitChocolateHoneyOld Wood

Only Mortlach 11 Year Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside)

LeatheryFresh Fruit

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