Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

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

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryBalblairThompson Bros.
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV53.7%46%
Age20 yr6 yr
Price£60.45£42.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value83/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £60.

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
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 6 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£60.45 vs £42.95)

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £60.45)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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 TB/BSW?

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedHoney

Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)

Dried FruitChocolateOld Wood

Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Cooked FruitNuttyTobacco

Explore more