Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 vs Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

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

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
DistilleryBruichladdichBallantine's
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV54.5%40%
Age9 yrNAS
Price£109.95£135
Rating5.00/5

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value45/100

Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 is better value at £110 vs £135.

For beginners: Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£109.95 vs £135)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — may need water

Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£135 vs £109.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 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 Ballantine's?

Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Cooked Fruit

Only Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

SmokeyFresh FruitVanillaToasted

Only Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

SherriedDried FruitHoneyOld Wood

Explore more