Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Flaming Pig Black Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Flaming Pig Black Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Flaming Pig |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 53.7% | 40% |
| Age | 20 yr | NAS |
| Price | £60.45 | £40.24 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Flaming Pig Black Cask
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Flaming Pig Black Cask
Quick verdict
Flaming Pig Black Cask is better value at £40 vs £60.
For beginners: Flaming Pig Black Cask is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £40.24)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Flaming Pig Black Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
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 Flaming?
Flaming Pig Black Cask 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 Flaming Pig Black Cask
Where to buy
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Flaming Pig Black Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange