Port Ellen 1979 / 14 Year Old / Cask #1849-51 / Signatory Islay Whisky vs Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Port Ellen 1979 / 14 Year Old / Cask #1849-51 / Signatory Islay WhiskyDalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryPort EllenDalmore
RegionHighland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%42%
AgeNAS25 yr
Price£1000£715
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 1979 / 14 Year Old / Cask #1849-51 / Signatory Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Port Ellen 1979 / 14 Year Old / Cask #1849-51 / Signatory Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £715 vs £1000.

For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 1979 / 14 Year Old / Cask #1849-51 / Signatory Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£1000 vs £715)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 1979 / 14 Year Old / Cask #1849-51 / Signatory Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Port Ellen 1979 / 14 Year Old / Cask #1849-51 / Signatory Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedVanillaOld WoodHoneyDried Fruit

Explore more