Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask vs Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask
Edradour
★ 5.00
£64
Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
★ 5.00
£50
| Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask | Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Edradour | Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet) |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.3% | 57.7% |
| Age | 13 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £64.05 | £49.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask
Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask
Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £50 vs £64.
For beginners: Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 9 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£64.05 vs £49.95)
Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£49.95 vs £64.05)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ballechin?
Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask 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 Braeval?
Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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
Only Ballechin 13 Year Old 2004 (cask 205) - Straight From The Cask
Only Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)