Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) vs Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£150
Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)
Balblair
★ 4.50
£120
| Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) | Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Balblair |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 46% |
| Age | 13 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £150 | £119.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)
Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)
Quick verdict
Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018) is better value at £120 vs £150.
For beginners: Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£150 vs £119.9)
Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£119.9 vs £150)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 13 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.5 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 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
Both taste of
Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Only Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)
Where to buy
Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange