Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish / Double Cask Finish Series

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

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish / Double Cask Finish Series
DistilleryBalblairDon Q
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV53.7%40%
Age20 yrNAS
Price£60.45£49.95
Rating5.00/5

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

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

Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish / Double Cask Finish Series

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish / Double Cask Finish Series

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish / Double Cask Finish Series is better value at £50 vs £60.

For beginners: Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish / Double Cask Finish Series is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£60.45 vs £49.95)

Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish / Double Cask Finish Series

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £60.45)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Don?

Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish / Double Cask Finish Series suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

Only Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish / Double Cask Finish Series

Cooked FruitVegetativeToasted

Explore more