Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Benrinnes 11 Year Old (Master of Malt Christmas Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60
Benrinnes 11 Year Old (Master of Malt Christmas Bottling)
Benrinnes
★ 5.00
£50
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Benrinnes 11 Year Old (Master of Malt Christmas Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Benrinnes |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 46.3% |
| Age | 20 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £60.45 | £49.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Benrinnes 11 Year Old (Master of Malt Christmas Bottling)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Benrinnes 11 Year Old (Master of Malt Christmas Bottling)
Quick verdict
Benrinnes 11 Year Old (Master of Malt Christmas Bottling) 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 11 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)
Benrinnes 11 Year Old (Master of Malt Christmas Bottling)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£49.95 vs £60.45)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 Benrinnes?
Benrinnes 11 Year Old (Master of Malt Christmas Bottling) 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
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only Benrinnes 11 Year Old (Master of Malt Christmas Bottling)