Lower East Side Blended Malt vs Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lower East Side Blended Malt
Lower East Side
★ 5.00
£30

Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
North Star Spirits
£48
| Lower East Side Blended Malt | Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lower East Side | North Star Spirits |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 51.4% |
| Age | NAS | 11 yr |
| Price | £29.9 | £47.84 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
Quick verdict
Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £48.
For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (51.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.84 vs £29.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Lower?
Lower East Side Blended Malt 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 Near?
Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits) 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
Both taste of
Only Lower East Side Blended Malt
Only Near Ballindalloch 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)