Macallan 20 Year Old 1975 (cask 8897) - First Cask vs Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Macallan 20 Year Old 1975 (cask 8897) - First CaskPort Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryThe MacallanPort Ellen
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%47.5%
Age20 yr33 yr
Price£799£999.95
Rating5.00/5

Macallan 20 Year Old 1975 (cask 8897) - First Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Macallan 20 Year Old 1975 (cask 8897) - First Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Macallan 20 Year Old 1975 (cask 8897) - First Cask is better value at £799 vs £1000.

For beginners: Macallan 20 Year Old 1975 (cask 8897) - First Cask is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Macallan 20 Year Old 1975 (cask 8897) - First Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£799 vs £999.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 20 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£999.95 vs £799)

Who should buy Macallan?

Macallan 20 Year Old 1975 (cask 8897) - First Cask 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.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

Dried FruitOld Wood

Only Macallan 20 Year Old 1975 (cask 8897) - First Cask

SherriedHoneyTobacco

Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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