J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt vs Balblair 7 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

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

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended MaltBalblair 7 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
DistilleryJ.G Thomson & Co.Balblair
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%50%
AgeNAS7 yr
Price£39.9£44.95
Rating5.00/5

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Balblair 7 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balblair 7 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt is better value at £40 vs £45.

For beginners: J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£39.9 vs £44.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Balblair 7 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£44.95 vs £39.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy J.G.?

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 7 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt

SherriedDried FruitChocolateNuttyToasted

Only Balblair 7 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

Where to buy

J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt

Balblair 7 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Explore more