Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Scapa 14 Year Old 1993 Cask 3888 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60
Scapa 14 Year Old 1993 Cask 3888 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Scapa
★ 5.00
£50
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Scapa 14 Year Old 1993 Cask 3888 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Scapa |
| Region | Highland | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 50% |
| Age | 20 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £60.45 | £49.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Scapa 14 Year Old 1993 Cask 3888 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Scapa 14 Year Old 1993 Cask 3888 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Scapa 14 Year Old 1993 Cask 3888 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 14 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £49.95)
Scapa 14 Year Old 1993 Cask 3888 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£49.95 vs £60.45)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
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 Scapa?
Scapa 14 Year Old 1993 Cask 3888 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only Scapa 14 Year Old 1993 Cask 3888 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)