Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Talisker
★ 5.00
£2500
| Balvenie 30 Year Old | Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Talisker |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.2% | 54.6% |
| Age | 30 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £3192.95 | £2500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Quick verdict
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) is better value at £2500 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
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2500)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£2500 vs £3192.95)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 30 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
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 Talisker?
Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012) 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
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old
Only Talisker 35 Year Old 1977 (Special Release 2012)