Glen Grant 18 Year Old Rare Edition vs Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

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

Glen Grant 18 Year Old Rare EditionPort Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
DistilleryGlen GrantBruichladdich
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%50%
Age18 yr6 yr
Price£106.9£66.95
Rating4.57/55.00/5

Glen Grant 18 Year Old Rare Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value43/100

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Smoke65/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value75/100

Glen Grant 18 Year Old Rare Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is better value at £67 vs £107.

For beginners: Glen Grant 18 Year Old Rare Edition is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glen Grant 18 Year Old Rare Edition

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 6 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£106.9 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £106.9)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Grant 18 Year Old Rare Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Port?

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only Glen Grant 18 Year Old Rare Edition

VanillaNuttyHoneyToasted

Only Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

SmokeyOilyKippery

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