Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

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

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)
DistilleryBalblairArdgowan
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV50%50%
Age20 yrNAS
Price£69.3£48.5
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value72/100

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) is better value at £49 vs £69.

For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£69.3 vs £48.5)

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£48.5 vs £69.3)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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 Clydebuilt?

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain character.

Tasting notes

Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodTobaccoLeathery

Only Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

VanillaMalt ExtractHoneyToasted

Where to buy

Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

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