Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two vs Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter TwoHighland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
DistilleryBalvenieHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV62.3%48.1%
Age15 yr30 yr
Price£799.95£999
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two is better value at £800 vs £999.

For beginners: Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£799.95 vs £999)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (62.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 15 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £799.95)

Who should buy Balvenie?

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried FruitHoney

Only Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

SherriedChocolateVanilla

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokeyToastedOld Wood

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