Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask vs Brora 21 Year Old 1982 (cask 279) - First Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£599
Brora 21 Year Old 1982 (cask 279) - First Cask
Brora
£795
| Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask | Brora 21 Year Old 1982 (cask 279) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Brora |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46% |
| Age | 17 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £599 | £795 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | — |
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Brora 21 Year Old 1982 (cask 279) - First Cask
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Brora 21 Year Old 1982 (cask 279) - First Cask
Quick verdict
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is better value at £599 vs £795.
For beginners: Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
- +More affordable (£599 vs £795)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Brora 21 Year Old 1982 (cask 279) - First Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£795 vs £599)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask 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 Brora?
Brora 21 Year Old 1982 (cask 279) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Only Brora 21 Year Old 1982 (cask 279) - First Cask