Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release vs Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series

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

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial ReleasePort Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
DistilleryBladnochPort Ellen
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV41.2%50.9%
Age29 yr40 yr
Price£4995£6999
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value1/100

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is better value at £4995 vs £6999.

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
  • +More affordable (£4995 vs £6999)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 29 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£6999 vs £4995)

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 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series 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

Old Wood

Only Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyChocolate

Only Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series

SmokeyDried FruitLeatheryMedicinal

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