Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)

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

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)
DistilleryTobermoryBalblair
RegionIslandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.7%46%
Age18 yr26 yr
Price£89.95£119.9
Rating5.00/54.50/5

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value38/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £120.

For beginners: Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £119.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£119.9 vs £89.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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.

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

Only Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)

SherriedHoneyToastedVanillaDried Fruit

Explore more