Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) vs Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Blair Athol
★ 5.00
£450
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£290
| Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) | Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blair Athol | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.4% | 48.4% |
| Age | 23 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £450 | £289.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Quick verdict
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is better value at £290 vs £450.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£450 vs £289.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£289.95 vs £450)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 23 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Blair?
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) 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 Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Only Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1