SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) vs Jura 30 Year Old

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

SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)Jura 30 Year Old
DistilleryBroraJura
RegionHighlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.3%44%
Age18 yr30 yr
Price£995£699
Rating5.00/5

SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Jura 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value7/100

SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Jura 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Jura 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Jura 30 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £995.

For beginners: Jura 30 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£995 vs £699)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Jura 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £995)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Jura?

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

Tasting notes

Only SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeathery

Only Jura 30 Year Old

Old WoodToastedHoneyDried Fruit

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