Yamazaki 50 Year Old vs Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Yamazaki 50 Year Old
Yamazaki
★ 4.56
£10000
Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky
Port Ellen
£13000
| Yamazaki 50 Year Old | Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Yamazaki | Port Ellen |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 57% | 40% |
| Age | 50 yr | NAS |
| Price | £9999.95 | £13000 |
| Rating | 4.56/5 | — |
Yamazaki 50 Year Old
Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky
Yamazaki 50 Year Old
Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky
Quick verdict
Yamazaki 50 Year Old is rated higher (4.56 vs 0.00).
Yamazaki 50 Year Old is better value at £10000 vs £13000.
For beginners: Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Yamazaki 50 Year Old
Pros
- +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
- +More affordable (£9999.95 vs £13000)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£13000 vs £9999.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.6)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Yamazaki?
Yamazaki 50 Year Old 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 Port?
Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Yamazaki 50 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky