Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal vs Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Johnnie Walker
★ 5.00
£399
Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask
Balvenie
★ 4.82
£399
| Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal | Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Johnnie Walker | Balvenie |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.8% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 17 yr |
| Price | £399 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.82/5 |
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask
Quick verdict
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.82).
Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask is better value at £399 vs £399.
For beginners: Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask 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 Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Only Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask