Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

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

Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBalmenachNorth of Scotland
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV61.9%50.6%
Age14 yr37 yr
Price£116.95£103.47
Rating5.00/5

Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner60/100
Value48/100

Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) is better value at £103 vs £117.

For beginners: North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (61.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£116.95 vs £103.47)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£103.47 vs £116.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.6%) — may need water

Who should buy Balmenach?

Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 North?

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) 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

NuttyOld Wood

Only Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedDried FruitTobacco

Only North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

OilyVanillaHoney

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