Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) vs Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£287

Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Balvenie
£450
| Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) | Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Balvenie |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 47.8% |
| Age | 40 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £286.95 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Quick verdict
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is better value at £287 vs £450.
For beginners: Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£286.95 vs £450)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −More expensive (£450 vs £286.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Master?
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel 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
Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Only Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel