Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

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

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
DistilleryPort EllenGlengoyne
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.3%50.3%
Age35 yr25 yr
Price£1495£995
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is better value at £995 vs £1495.

For beginners: Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 25 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£1495 vs £995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£995 vs £1495)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve 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

Only Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinalDried Fruit

Only Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaFresh FruitToasted

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