The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak vs Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
The Macallan
★ 4.58
£799
Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£1000
| The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak | Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 47.5% |
| Age | 18 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £799 | £999.95 |
| Rating | 4.58/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.58).
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak is better value at £799 vs £1000.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£799 vs £999.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£999.95 vs £799)
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak 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 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)