Flaming Pig Black Cask vs Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Flaming Pig Black Cask
Flaming Pig
★ 5.00
£40
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Balblair
★ 4.00
£63
| Flaming Pig Black Cask | Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Flaming Pig | Balblair |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 50% |
| Age | NAS | 17 yr |
| Price | £40.24 | £62.97 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Flaming Pig Black Cask
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Flaming Pig Black Cask
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Flaming Pig Black Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Flaming Pig Black Cask is better value at £40 vs £63.
For beginners: Flaming Pig Black Cask is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Flaming Pig Black Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£62.97 vs £40.24)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Flaming?
Flaming Pig Black Cask 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.
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Flaming Pig Black Cask
Only Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
Flaming Pig Black Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Balblair 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange