Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

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

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
DistilleryPort EllenGlenfarclas
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.1%43%
Age23 yr40 yr
Price£1495£1275
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value4/100

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is better value at £1275 vs £1495.

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

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1495 vs £1275)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glenfarclas 40 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

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) 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.

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 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 Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SherriedHoneyDried FruitChocolate

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