Glen Garioch 46 Year Old 1958 vs Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)

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

Glen Garioch 46 Year Old 1958Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
DistilleryGlen GariochPort Ellen
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%57.7%
Age46 yr30 yr
Price£1966.95£2500
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Glen Garioch 46 Year Old 1958

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner70/100
Value2/100

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value2/100

Glen Garioch 46 Year Old 1958

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Glen Garioch 46 Year Old 1958 is better value at £1967 vs £2500.

For beginners: Glen Garioch 46 Year Old 1958 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glen Garioch 46 Year Old 1958

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£1966.95 vs £2500)
  • +Longer maturation (46 vs 30 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£2500 vs £1966.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Garioch 46 Year Old 1958 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) 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

Both taste of

Leathery

Only Glen Garioch 46 Year Old 1958

Old WoodNuttyDried FruitTobacco

Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)

SmokeyMedicinalOily

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