Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Glenfiddich 40 Year Old - Rare Collection (Release Number 17)

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

Balvenie 30 Year OldGlenfiddich 40 Year Old - Rare Collection (Release Number 17)
DistilleryBalvenieGlenfiddich
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.2%48.2%
Age30 yr40 yr
Price£3192.95£4199.95
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Glenfiddich 40 Year Old - Rare Collection (Release Number 17)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 40 Year Old - Rare Collection (Release Number 17)

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 £4200.

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

Glenfiddich 40 Year Old - Rare Collection (Release Number 17)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 30 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£4199.95 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 Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 40 Year Old - Rare Collection (Release Number 17) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedHoneyDried FruitOld Wood

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

Chocolate

Only Glenfiddich 40 Year Old - Rare Collection (Release Number 17)

Vanilla

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