Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bowmore
£75
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Bowmore |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 53.7% | 40% |
| Age | 20 yr | NAS |
| Price | £60.45 | £74.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is better value at £60 vs £75.
For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£60.45 vs £74.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£74.5 vs £60.45)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt 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
Both taste of
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Where to buy
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange