Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch) vs Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)
Port Ellen
£795

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£999
| Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch) | Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.1% | 48.1% |
| Age | 25 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £795 | £999 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Quick verdict
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch) is better value at £795 vs £999.
For beginners: Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£795 vs £999)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£999 vs £795)
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch) 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.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)
Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013