Macallan 35 Year Old 1988 - Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary (Douglas Laing) vs Balvenie 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Macallan 35 Year Old 1988 - Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary (Douglas Laing)
The Macallan
£4999
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
| Macallan 35 Year Old 1988 - Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary (Douglas Laing) | Balvenie 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Balvenie |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.4% | 44.2% |
| Age | 35 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £4999 | £3192.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Macallan 35 Year Old 1988 - Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary (Douglas Laing)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Macallan 35 Year Old 1988 - Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary (Douglas Laing)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 30 Year Old is better value at £3193 vs £4999.
For beginners: Macallan 35 Year Old 1988 - Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Macallan 35 Year Old 1988 - Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 30 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£4999 vs £3192.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Macallan?
Macallan 35 Year Old 1988 - Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Macallan 35 Year Old 1988 - Xtra Old Particular 75th Anniversary (Douglas Laing)
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old