Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release vs Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial ReleaseBalvenie 30 Year Old
DistilleryBladnochBalvenie
RegionLowlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV41.2%44.2%
Age29 yr30 yr
Price£4995£3192.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value2/100

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balvenie 30 Year Old is better value at £3193 vs £4995.

For beginners: Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£4995 vs £3192.95)

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£3192.95 vs £4995)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release 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 Balvenie?

Balvenie 30 Year Old 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

Both taste of

SherriedOld WoodHoneyChocolate

Only Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Cooked Fruit

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

Dried Fruit

Explore more