Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 (cask 6101) - Provenance (Douglas Laing) vs Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 (cask 6101) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£600
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Springbank
★ 5.00
£399
| Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 (cask 6101) - Provenance (Douglas Laing) | Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 54.7% |
| Age | 27 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £599.95 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 (cask 6101) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 (cask 6101) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Quick verdict
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is better value at £399 vs £600.
For beginners: Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 (cask 6101) - Provenance (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 (cask 6101) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 9 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£599.95 vs £399)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£399 vs £599.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 (cask 6101) - Provenance (Douglas Laing) 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 Springbank?
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo 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.
Tasting notes
Only Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 (cask 6101) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
Only Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo