Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Glenfarclas 30 Year Old | Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Balvenie |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £632.95 | £599 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.80/5 |
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is better value at £599 vs £633.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£632.95 vs £599)
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£599 vs £632.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Only Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Where to buy
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange