Port Ellen 1979 / 32 Year Old / 12th Release (2012) Islay Whisky vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Port Ellen 1979 / 32 Year Old / 12th Release (2012) Islay WhiskyThe Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
DistilleryPort EllenThe Macallan
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS25 yr
Price£4500£2750
Rating4.91/5

Port Ellen 1979 / 32 Year Old / 12th Release (2012) Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value2/100

Port Ellen 1979 / 32 Year Old / 12th Release (2012) Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £4500.

For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 1979 / 32 Year Old / 12th Release (2012) Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£4500 vs £2750)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2750 vs £4500)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 1979 / 32 Year Old / 12th Release (2012) 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 The?

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld Wood

Only Port Ellen 1979 / 32 Year Old / 12th Release (2012) Islay Whisky

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

Dried FruitChocolateTobacco

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