Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

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

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
DistilleryPort EllenGlenfarclas
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%43%
Age27 yr40 yr
Price£1495£1275
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

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

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value4/100

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is better value at £1275 vs £1495.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1495 vs £1275)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (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.

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyKipperyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SherriedHoneyDried FruitChocolate

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