Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection

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

Balvenie 30 Year OldDalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection
DistilleryBalvenieDalmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.2%56.5%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£3192.95£3995
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection

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 £3995.

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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£3995 vs £3192.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Dalmore?

Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

HoneyDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

Only Dalmore 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 18) - Constellation Collection

Cooked FruitVanillaToasted

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