Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Glengoyne 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 13799) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

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

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)Glengoyne 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 13799) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBalblairGlengoyne
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.7%46%
Age20 yr11 yr
Price£60.45£43.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

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

Glengoyne 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 13799) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glengoyne 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 13799) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glengoyne 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 13799) - Provenance (Douglas Laing) is better value at £44 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 £43.95)

Glengoyne 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 13799) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£43.95 vs £60.45)

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 Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 13799) - Provenance (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

Only Glengoyne 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 13799) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

Fresh FruitVanillaToastedMalt Extract

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