Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Port Askaig 12 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Port Askaig 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Port Askaig |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 45.8% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £60.45 | £44.33 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Port Askaig 12 Year Old
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Port Askaig 12 Year Old
Quick verdict
Port Askaig 12 Year Old 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 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £44.33)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Askaig 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£44.33 vs £60.45)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Port?
Port Askaig 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only Port Askaig 12 Year Old