Benriach The Forty vs Balvenie 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Benriach The Forty | Balvenie 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Balvenie |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.5% | 44.2% |
| Age | 40 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £2748.5 | £3192.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Benriach The Forty
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Benriach The Forty
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benriach The Forty is better value at £2749 vs £3193.
For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Benriach The Forty
Pros
- +More affordable (£2748.5 vs £3192.95)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 30 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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
- −More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2748.5)
Who should buy Benriach?
Benriach The Forty suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
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 Benriach The Forty
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old