The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak vs Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1979 - 3rd Release (Special Release 2003)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
The Macallan
★ 4.80
£1500
Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1979 - 3rd Release (Special Release 2003)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£1999
| The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak | Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1979 - 3rd Release (Special Release 2003) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £1999 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1979 - 3rd Release (Special Release 2003)
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1979 - 3rd Release (Special Release 2003)
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1979 - 3rd Release (Special Release 2003) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is better value at £1500 vs £1999.
For beginners: The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £1999)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1979 - 3rd Release (Special Release 2003)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1979 - 3rd Release (Special Release 2003) 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 The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Only Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1979 - 3rd Release (Special Release 2003)