Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) vs Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£30
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Ballantine's
£41
| Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) | Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Ballantine's |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 9 yr | NAS |
| Price | £29.95 | £40.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Quick verdict
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is better value at £30 vs £41.
For beginners: Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£29.95 vs £40.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£40.95 vs £29.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Secret?
Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Secret Highland 9 Year Old 2010 (Master of Malt)
Only Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)