Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£1495
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
The Macallan
★ 4.80
£1500
| Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | The Macallan |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 43% |
| Age | 16 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1495 | £1500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.80/5 |
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1495 vs £1500.
For beginners: The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£1495 vs £1500)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 16 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £1495)
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
- −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 The?
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak