Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBalblairTobermory
RegionHighlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45%51.7%
Age20 yr18 yr
Price£113£89.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value44/100

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

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

Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £113.

For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£113 vs £89.95)
  • 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
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £113)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedDried FruitCooked FruitHoney

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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