Port Ellen 1979 / 37 Year Old / 17th Release (2017) Islay Whisky vs Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

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

Port Ellen 1979 / 37 Year Old / 17th Release (2017) Islay WhiskyBladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
DistilleryPort EllenBladnoch
RegionLowland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%41.2%
AgeNAS29 yr
Price£6000£4995
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 1979 / 37 Year Old / 17th Release (2017) Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Port Ellen 1979 / 37 Year Old / 17th Release (2017) Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is better value at £4995 vs £6000.

For beginners: Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 1979 / 37 Year Old / 17th Release (2017) Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£6000 vs £4995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

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 1979 / 37 Year Old / 17th Release (2017) Islay 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 Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release 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 1979 / 37 Year Old / 17th Release (2017) Islay Whisky

SmokeyFresh FruitMedicinal

Only Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyChocolate

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