The Balvenie 40 Year Old vs Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£7225
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
Master of Malt
£9995
| The Balvenie 40 Year Old | Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Master of Malt |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.2% | 43.5% |
| Age | 40 yr | 59 yr |
| Price | £7225 | £9995 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | — |
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
The Balvenie 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
The Balvenie 40 Year Old is better value at £7225 vs £9995.
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
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (59 vs 40 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£9995 vs £7225)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
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 Secret?
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt) 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 The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Only Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)