Balblair 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 124) - Mackillop's Choice vs Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 124) - Mackillop's Choice
Balblair
£178
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£130
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 124) - Mackillop's Choice | Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.2% | 52.2% |
| Age | 20 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £178.12 | £130 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 124) - Mackillop's Choice
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Balblair 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 124) - Mackillop's Choice
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Quick verdict
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is better value at £130 vs £178.
For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 124) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Balblair 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 124) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 15 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£178.12 vs £130)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£130 vs £178.12)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 124) - Mackillop's Choice 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.
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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 1997 (cask 124) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)