Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013) vs Balvenie 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)
Brora
★ 5.00
£2999
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
| Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013) | Balvenie 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brora | Balvenie |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.9% | 44.2% |
| Age | 35 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £2999 | £3192.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013) is better value at £2999 vs £3193.
For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£2999 vs £3192.95)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 30 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
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 £2999)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Brora?
Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old