Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Yamazaki 1984

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

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Yamazaki 1984
DistilleryPort EllenYamazaki
Region
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%48%
Age16 yrNAS
Price£1495£899.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value3/100

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 vs £1495.

For beginners: Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£1495 vs £899.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£899.95 vs £1495)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryKippery

Only Yamazaki 1984

VanillaToastedNuttySherried

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