Longrow 1973 Natural Strength / Bot.1985 / Samaroli Campbeltown Whisky vs The Balvenie 40 Year Old

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

Longrow 1973 Natural Strength / Bot.1985 / Samaroli Campbeltown WhiskyThe Balvenie 40 Year Old
DistilleryLongrowBalvenie
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%42.2%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£8500£7225
Rating4.80/5

Longrow 1973 Natural Strength / Bot.1985 / Samaroli Campbeltown Whisky

Smoke65/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness78/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Longrow 1973 Natural Strength / Bot.1985 / Samaroli Campbeltown Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Balvenie 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).

The Balvenie 40 Year Old is better value at £7225 vs £8500.

For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Longrow 1973 Natural Strength / Bot.1985 / Samaroli Campbeltown Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£8500 vs £7225)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The Balvenie 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.8/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Longrow?

Longrow 1973 Natural Strength / Bot.1985 / Samaroli Campbeltown 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 The?

The Balvenie 40 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 Longrow 1973 Natural Strength / Bot.1985 / Samaroli Campbeltown Whisky

SmokeyKipperyLeatheryTobacco

Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old

VanillaSherriedHoney

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