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

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

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage ReservePort Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryGlengoynePort Ellen
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.3%49.3%
Age25 yr35 yr
Price£995£740.81
Rating5.00/5

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

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

Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing) is better value at £741 vs £995.

For beginners: Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£995 vs £740.81)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£740.81 vs £995)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 25 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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.

Who should buy Port?

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

Tasting notes

Only Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaFresh FruitToasted

Only Port Ellen 35 Years Old 1977 - Old & Rare Collection (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

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