Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask vs Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask | Glenfarclas 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Glenfarclas |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Age | 17 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £599 | £632.95 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is better value at £599 vs £633.
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
- +More affordable (£599 vs £632.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£632.95 vs £599)
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 Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Where to buy
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange