The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release) vs Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)Balvenie 30 Year Old
DistilleryThe MacallanBalvenie
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%44.2%
Age30 yr30 yr
Price£3555.5£3192.95
Rating5.00/5

The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)

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 £3556.

For beginners: The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£3555.5 vs £3192.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release) 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 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

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitHoney

Only The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask (2023 Release)

Vanilla

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

Chocolate

Explore more