The Balvenie 40 Year Old vs Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£7225
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£6999
| The Balvenie 40 Year Old | Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.2% | 50.9% |
| Age | 40 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £7225 | £6999 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series is better value at £6999 vs £7225.
For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£7225 vs £6999)
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£6999 vs £7225)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
Who should buy The?
The Balvenie 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.
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series