Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60
Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie)
Aultmore
£45
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Aultmore |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 46% |
| Age | 20 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £60.45 | £44.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie)
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie) is better value at £45 vs £60.
For beginners: Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie) 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 9 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £44.95)
Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£44.95 vs £60.45)
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 Aultmore?
Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie) 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 Aultmore 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 301178, 307606, 307608 & 307616) - Small Batch (James Eadie)