Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£113

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
The Lakes Distillery
★ 5.00
£85
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) | The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | The Lakes Distillery |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | England |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 45% | 52% |
| Age | 20 yr | NAS |
| Price | £113 | £84.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Quick verdict
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £113.
For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£113 vs £84.95)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£84.95 vs £113)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
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 The?
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1991 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5