Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)
Brora
★ 5.00
£2999
| Balvenie 30 Year Old | Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Brora |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.2% | 49.9% |
| Age | 30 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £3192.95 | £2999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)
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).
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
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
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.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old
Only Brora 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2013)