Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) vs Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

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

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela
DistilleryEdradourBladnoch
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.5%46.7%
Age17 yr15 yr
Price£140.71£120
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner25/100
Value36/100

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner70/100
Value42/100

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela is better value at £120 vs £141.

For beginners: Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£140.71 vs £120)

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£120 vs £140.71)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ballechin?

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) 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 Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela 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

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

SmokeyNuttyToasted

Only Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

HoneyVanillaOld Wood

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