Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) vs Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Balblair
£86
Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Darkness
★ 5.00
£72
| Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) | Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Darkness |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.2% | 61.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £85.5 | £71.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is better value at £72 vs £86.
For beginners: Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£85.5 vs £71.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£71.95 vs £85.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (61.3%) — may need water
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) 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 Darkness!?
Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish 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.
Tasting notes
Only Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Only Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Where to buy
Balblair 12 Year Old 2012 Fresh Sauternes Barrique Finish (cask 3228) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange