Balvenie 30 Year Old vs SMWS 18.15 (Inchgower) / 1966 / 35 Year Old / Sherry Cask Speyside Whisky

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

Balvenie 30 Year OldSMWS 18.15 (Inchgower) / 1966 / 35 Year Old / Sherry Cask Speyside Whisky
DistilleryBalvenieInchgower
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV44.2%40%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£3192.95£2500
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 30 Year Old

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

SMWS 18.15 (Inchgower) / 1966 / 35 Year Old / Sherry Cask Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 18.15 (Inchgower) / 1966 / 35 Year Old / Sherry Cask Speyside Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

SMWS 18.15 (Inchgower) / 1966 / 35 Year Old / Sherry Cask Speyside Whisky 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2500)

SMWS 18.15 (Inchgower) / 1966 / 35 Year Old / Sherry Cask Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£2500 vs £3192.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 SMWS?

SMWS 18.15 (Inchgower) / 1966 / 35 Year Old / Sherry Cask Speyside 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

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

Honey

Only SMWS 18.15 (Inchgower) / 1966 / 35 Year Old / Sherry Cask Speyside Whisky

Toasted

Explore more