Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018) vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBalblairTobermory
RegionHighlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%51.7%
Age26 yr18 yr
Price£119.9£89.95
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value38/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £120.

For beginners: Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£119.9 vs £89.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £119.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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.

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky 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.

Tasting notes

Only Balblair 1991 (bottled 2018)

SherriedHoneyToastedVanillaDried Fruit

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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