Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 vs Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£290
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Blair Athol
★ 5.00
£450
| Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 | Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Blair Athol |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.4% | 58.4% |
| Age | 25 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £289.95 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is better value at £290 vs £450.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£289.95 vs £450)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 23 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£450 vs £289.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Blair?
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) 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
Only Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Only Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)