Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Glen Elgin 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 3259 & 3262) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)Glen Elgin 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 3259 & 3262) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryBalblairGlen Elgin
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.7%46%
Age20 yr21 yr
Price£60.45£49.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value83/100

Glen Elgin 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 3259 & 3262) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Elgin 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 3259 & 3262) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Elgin 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 3259 & 3262) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory) 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
  • +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)

Glen Elgin 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 3259 & 3262) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £60.45)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)

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 Glen?

Glen Elgin 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 3259 & 3262) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

ChocolateHoney

Only Glen Elgin 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 3259 & 3262) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

Malt ExtractToasted

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