Brora 35 Year Old / 11th Release (2012) Highland Whisky vs Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Brora 35 Year Old / 11th Release (2012) Highland WhiskyBalvenie 30 Year Old
DistilleryBroraBalvenie
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%44.2%
AgeNAS30 yr
Price£3750£3192.95
Rating5.00/5

Brora 35 Year Old / 11th Release (2012) Highland Whisky

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

Brora 35 Year Old / 11th Release (2012) Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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 £3750.

For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Brora 35 Year Old / 11th Release (2012) Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£3750 vs £3192.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Brora?

Brora 35 Year Old / 11th Release (2012) Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Brora 35 Year Old / 11th Release (2012) Highland Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryKippery

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

SherriedHoneyDried FruitChocolate

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