Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Isle of Jura 1965 / 36 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Balvenie 30 Year OldIsle of Jura 1965 / 36 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryBalvenieJura
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV44.2%40%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£3192.95£4000
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Isle of Jura 1965 / 36 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Isle of Jura 1965 / 36 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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 £4000.

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

Isle of Jura 1965 / 36 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£4000 vs £3192.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Isle?

Isle of Jura 1965 / 36 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

SherriedHoneyDried FruitChocolate

Only Isle of Jura 1965 / 36 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

LeatheryMossyOily

Explore more