Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard) vs Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBalblairMortlach
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.3%57%
Age35 yr26 yr
Price£372.7£383.95
Rating5.00/5

Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard) is better value at £373 vs £384.

For beginners: Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£372.7 vs £383.95)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 26 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£383.95 vs £372.7)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

SherriedDried FruitSmokeyTobacco

Only Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Where to buy

Balblair 35 Year Old - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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