Glengoyne 30 Year Old vs Islay Single Malt 38 Year Old 1985 - Whiskyland Chapter Six (Decadent Drinks)

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

Glengoyne 30 Year OldIslay Single Malt 38 Year Old 1985 - Whiskyland Chapter Six (Decadent Drinks)
DistilleryGlengoyneDecadent Drinks
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.8%44.6%
Age30 yr38 yr
Price£894.99£679.5
Rating5.00/5

Glengoyne 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness76/100
Beginner70/100
Value6/100

Islay Single Malt 38 Year Old 1985 - Whiskyland Chapter Six (Decadent Drinks)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Glengoyne 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay Single Malt 38 Year Old 1985 - Whiskyland Chapter Six (Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Islay Single Malt 38 Year Old 1985 - Whiskyland Chapter Six (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £680 vs £895.

For beginners: Glengoyne 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glengoyne 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 (£894.99 vs £679.5)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Islay Single Malt 38 Year Old 1985 - Whiskyland Chapter Six (Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£679.5 vs £894.99)
  • +Longer maturation (38 vs 30 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 30 Year Old suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Islay?

Islay Single Malt 38 Year Old 1985 - Whiskyland Chapter Six (Decadent Drinks) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glengoyne 30 Year Old

SherriedHoneyChocolateVanilla

Only Islay Single Malt 38 Year Old 1985 - Whiskyland Chapter Six (Decadent Drinks)

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinal

Explore more