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)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£68

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman
Linkwood
★ 4.00
£49
| Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) | Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Linkwood |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 46% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £68.12 | £48.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman
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
Only Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2009 Syrah Edition - DS Tayman