Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Lagavulin 28 Year Old / Prima & Ultima Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Balvenie 30 Year OldLagavulin 28 Year Old / Prima & Ultima Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryBalvenieLagavulin
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV44.2%40%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£3192.95£2750
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Lagavulin 28 Year Old / Prima & Ultima Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 28 Year Old / Prima & Ultima Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 28 Year Old / Prima & Ultima Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £2750 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2750)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 28 Year Old / Prima & Ultima Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£2750 vs £3192.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 28 Year Old / Prima & Ultima Islay 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 Lagavulin 28 Year Old / Prima & Ultima Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalMossy

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