The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 vs Balblair 10 Year Old - 1990s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
The Lakes Distillery
★ 5.00
£85
Balblair 10 Year Old - 1990s
Balblair
£120
| The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 | Balblair 10 Year Old - 1990s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Lakes Distillery | Balblair |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | England | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 10 yr |
| Price | £84.95 | £120 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Balblair 10 Year Old - 1990s
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Balblair 10 Year Old - 1990s
Quick verdict
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £120.
For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£84.95 vs £120)
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Balblair 10 Year Old - 1990s
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£120 vs £84.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy The?
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 10 Year Old - 1990s 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 The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Only Balblair 10 Year Old - 1990s