Balmenach 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 21861) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balmenach 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 21861) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Balmenach
£105
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Tobermory
★ 5.00
£90
| Balmenach 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 21861) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) | Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | Tobermory |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.2% | 51.7% |
| Age | 15 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £104.95 | £89.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balmenach 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 21861) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balmenach 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 21861) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £105.
For beginners: Balmenach 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 21861) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Balmenach 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 21861) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£104.95 vs £89.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£89.95 vs £104.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 21861) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) 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 Ledaig?
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Balmenach 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 21861) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)