Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)
Linkwood
£49
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Linkwood |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 46% |
| Age | 20 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £60.45 | £49.3 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory) is better value at £49 vs £60.
For beginners: Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (80/100 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 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £49.3)
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£49.3 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 Linkwood?
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only Linkwood 18 Year Old 1998 (casks 11784 & 11785) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)