Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s vs Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s | Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Appleton | Balblair |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 53.7% |
| Age | NAS | 20 yr |
| Price | £49.95 | £60.45 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s is better value at £50 vs £60.
For beginners: Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£49.95 vs £60.45)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £49.95)
Who should buy Appleton?
Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Appleton Estate VX Rum / Bot.2000s
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)