Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release vs Crabbie 50 Year Old Islay Single Malt

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

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial ReleaseCrabbie 50 Year Old Islay Single Malt
DistilleryBladnochJohn Crabbie & Co.
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV41.2%46.5%
Age29 yr50 yr
Price£4995£4999
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Crabbie 50 Year Old Islay Single Malt

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value1/100

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Crabbie 50 Year Old Islay Single Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is better value at £4995 vs £4999.

For beginners: Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£4995 vs £4999)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Crabbie 50 Year Old Islay Single Malt

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (50 vs 29 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£4999 vs £4995)

Who should buy Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Crabbie?

Crabbie 50 Year Old Islay Single Malt suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld Wood

Only Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Cooked FruitHoneyChocolate

Only Crabbie 50 Year Old Islay Single Malt

SmokeyDried FruitLeathery

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