Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) vs Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

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

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
DistilleryMortlachBallantine's
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV55.9%40%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£150£135
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value33/100

Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

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

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £135 vs £150.

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

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £135)

Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£135 vs £150)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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

Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

VanillaNew WoodMalt ExtractToasted

Only Ballantine's 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

SherriedDried FruitHoneyOld WoodCooked Fruit

Explore more