Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland vs Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Imperial
£225
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Balvenie
★ 4.85
£199
| Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland | Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Imperial | Balvenie |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54% | 40% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £224.95 | £199 |
| Rating | — | 4.85/5 |
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Quick verdict
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is rated higher (4.85 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is better value at £199 vs £225.
For beginners: Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£224.95 vs £199)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Imperial?
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask 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.
Tasting notes
Only Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Only Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask