Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman

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

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman
DistilleryBalblairLinkwood
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%46%
Age17 yr12 yr
Price£68.12£48.9
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner80/100
Value73/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner65/100
Value82/100

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman is better value at £49 vs £68.

For beginners: Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£68.12 vs £48.9)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£48.9 vs £68.12)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaToasted

Only Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)

SherriedHoney

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman

New WoodCooked FruitFresh Fruit

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