Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Dalmore 35 Year Old (2016 Release)

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

Balvenie 30 Year OldDalmore 35 Year Old (2016 Release)
DistilleryBalvenieDalmore
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.2%40%
Age30 yr35 yr
Price£3192.95£4995
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Dalmore 35 Year Old (2016 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalmore 35 Year Old (2016 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balvenie 30 Year Old is better value at £3193 vs £4995.

For beginners: Dalmore 35 Year Old (2016 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£3192.95 vs £4995)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Dalmore 35 Year Old (2016 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 30 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£4995 vs £3192.95)

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 35 Year Old (2016 Release) 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

SherriedHoneyDried FruitOld Wood

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

Chocolate

Only Dalmore 35 Year Old (2016 Release)

VanillaCooked Fruit

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