The Balvenie 40 Year Old vs Brora 1972 / 29 Year Old / Old & Rare Platinum Highland Whisky

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

The Balvenie 40 Year OldBrora 1972 / 29 Year Old / Old & Rare Platinum Highland Whisky
DistilleryBalvenieBrora
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV42.2%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£7225£6500
Rating4.80/5

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness78/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Brora 1972 / 29 Year Old / Old & Rare Platinum Highland Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Brora 1972 / 29 Year Old / Old & Rare Platinum Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Balvenie 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).

Brora 1972 / 29 Year Old / Old & Rare Platinum Highland Whisky is better value at £6500 vs £7225.

For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.8/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£7225 vs £6500)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Brora 1972 / 29 Year Old / Old & Rare Platinum Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£6500 vs £7225)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy The?

The Balvenie 40 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.

Who should buy Brora?

Brora 1972 / 29 Year Old / Old & Rare Platinum Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old

VanillaSherriedHoney

Only Brora 1972 / 29 Year Old / Old & Rare Platinum Highland Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOily

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