Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - 14th Release (Special Release 2014) vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - 14th Release (Special Release 2014)
Port Ellen
£2999
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
The Macallan
★ 4.91
£2750
| Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - 14th Release (Special Release 2014) | The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 35 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £2999 | £2750 |
| Rating | — | 4.91/5 |
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - 14th Release (Special Release 2014)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - 14th Release (Special Release 2014)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Quick verdict
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £2999.
For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - 14th Release (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 25 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£2999 vs £2750)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
- +More affordable (£2750 vs £2999)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - 14th Release (Special Release 2014) 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 The?
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - 14th Release (Special Release 2014)
Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018