Karuizawa 1999 / Artist #13 / Spirits Shop Selection for LMDW vs Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Karuizawa 1999 / Artist #13 / Spirits Shop Selection for LMDWBalvenie 30 Year Old
DistilleryKaruizawaBalvenie
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%44.2%
AgeNAS30 yr
Price£4000£3192.95
Rating5.00/5

Karuizawa 1999 / Artist #13 / Spirits Shop Selection for LMDW

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Karuizawa 1999 / Artist #13 / Spirits Shop Selection for LMDW

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 £4000.

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

Karuizawa 1999 / Artist #13 / Spirits Shop Selection for LMDW

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£4000 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 Karuizawa?

Karuizawa 1999 / Artist #13 / Spirits Shop Selection for LMDW suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Karuizawa 1999 / Artist #13 / Spirits Shop Selection for LMDW

Cooked Fruit

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

HoneyChocolate

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