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)Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
DistilleryPort EllenHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.1%48.1%
Age25 yr30 yr
Price£795£999
Rating5.00/5

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

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

MedicinalKipperyLeathery

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

HoneyDried FruitToasted

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