Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldPort Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryArdbegPort Ellen
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%49.3%
Age21 yr35 yr
Price£599£740.81
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)

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 £741.

For beginners: Ardbeg 21 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 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 £740.81)

Cons

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

Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£740.81 vs £599)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing) 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

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

KipperyOily

Only Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)

Old Wood

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