Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

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

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe CaskGlenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
DistilleryBallechinGlenfiddich
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%40%
Age20 yr12 yr
Price£187.57£199
Rating5.00/5

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask is better value at £188 vs £199.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£187.57 vs £199)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £187.57)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ballechin?

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe 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 Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask

SmokeySherriedDried FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNew Wood

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