Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldPort Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky
DistilleryArdbegPort Ellen
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£599£950
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value8/100

Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky

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

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £950.

For beginners: Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £950)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£950 vs £599)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

KipperyLeatheryOily

Only Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky

Fresh FruitOld Wood

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