Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release vs Port Ellen 39 Year Old 1982 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
Bladnoch
★ 5.00
£4995
Port Ellen 39 Year Old 1982 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
£3650
| Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release | Port Ellen 39 Year Old 1982 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bladnoch | Port Ellen |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 41.2% | 53.7% |
| Age | 29 yr | 39 yr |
| Price | £4995 | £3650 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
Port Ellen 39 Year Old 1982 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
Port Ellen 39 Year Old 1982 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Port Ellen 39 Year Old 1982 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is better value at £3650 vs £4995.
For beginners: Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial 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
- −More expensive (£4995 vs £3650)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 39 Year Old 1982 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£3650 vs £4995)
- +Longer maturation (39 vs 29 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bladnoch?
Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial 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.
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 39 Year Old 1982 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
Only Port Ellen 39 Year Old 1982 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)