Balblair 35 Year Old 1966 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

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

Balblair 35 Year Old 1966 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01
DistilleryBalblairBruichladdich
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40.4%54.5%
Age35 yr9 yr
Price£124.95£109.95
Rating5.00/5

Balblair 35 Year Old 1966 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value45/100

Balblair 35 Year Old 1966 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 is better value at £110 vs £125.

For beginners: Balblair 35 Year Old 1966 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Balblair 35 Year Old 1966 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£124.95 vs £109.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£109.95 vs £124.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — may need water

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 35 Year Old 1966 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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 Port?

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 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 35 Year Old 1966 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodLeatherySherriedTobaccoHoney

Only Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

SmokeyFresh FruitVanillaCooked FruitToasted

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