Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection vs Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation CollectionBalvenie 30 Year Old
DistilleryDalmoreBalvenie
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%44.2%
Age21 yr30 yr
Price£3995£3192.95
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Balvenie 30 Year Old is better value at £3193 vs £3995.

For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£3995 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 Dalmore?

Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection 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 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

Sherried

Only Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection

Cooked FruitVanillaToasted

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

HoneyDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

Explore more