Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail vs Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s

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

Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach FurachailBallantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
DistilleryBruichladdichBallantine's
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV58.7%43%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£199£199
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value25/100

Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s is better value at £199 vs £199.

For beginners: Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail 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 Ballantine's?

Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Only Port Charlotte PC12 - Oilenach Furachail

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOily

Only Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOld WoodToasted

Explore more