Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs Knockando 15 Year Old 1997
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | Knockando 15 Year Old 1997 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Knockando |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 43% |
| Age | 20 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £60.45 | £49.96 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Knockando 15 Year Old 1997
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Knockando 15 Year Old 1997
Quick verdict
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Knockando 15 Year Old 1997 is better value at £50 vs £60.
For beginners: Knockando 15 Year Old 1997 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 15 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £49.96)
Knockando 15 Year Old 1997
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£49.96 vs £60.45)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Knockando?
Knockando 15 Year Old 1997 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only Knockando 15 Year Old 1997