Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt) vs The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
Master of Malt
£9995
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£7225
| Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt) | The Balvenie 40 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Balvenie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.5% | 42.2% |
| Age | 59 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £9995 | £7225 |
| Rating | — | 4.80/5 |
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
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 £9995.
For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (59 vs 40 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£9995 vs £7225)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
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
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Secret?
Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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
Only Secret Speyside Distillery 59 Year Old 1956 Competition Exclusive (Master of Malt)
Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old