Jura 30 Year Old vs SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Jura 30 Year Old | SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Jura | Brora |
| Region | Island | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44% | 58.3% |
| Age | 30 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £699 | £995 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Jura 30 Year Old
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Jura 30 Year Old
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Quick verdict
Jura 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Jura 30 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £995.
For beginners: Jura 30 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Jura 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£699 vs £995)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£995 vs £699)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Jura?
Jura 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) 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
Only Jura 30 Year Old
Only SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)