Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) vs Balvenie 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£2500
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
| Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) | Balvenie 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Balvenie |
| Region | Island | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.6% | 44.2% |
| Age | 35 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £2500 | £3192.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) is better value at £2500 vs £3193.
For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£2500 vs £3192.95)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 30 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2500)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Talisker?
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) 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
Only Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old