Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Highland Park 11 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60
Highland Park 11 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Highland Park
£43
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Highland Park 11 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Highland Park |
| Region | Highland | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 50% |
| Age | 20 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £60.45 | £43.3 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Highland Park 11 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Highland Park 11 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 11 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is better value at £43 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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 11 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £43.3)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Highland Park 11 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£43.3 vs £60.45)
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 Highland?
Highland Park 11 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only Highland Park 11 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)