Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Velvet Fig 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60

Velvet Fig 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)
Wemyss Malts
£53
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Velvet Fig 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Wemyss Malts |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 46% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £60.45 | £52.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Velvet Fig 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Velvet Fig 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Velvet Fig 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) is better value at £53 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 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £52.95)
Velvet Fig 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)
Pros
- +More affordable (£52.95 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 Velvet?
Velvet Fig 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only Velvet Fig 12 Year Old (Wemyss Malts)