The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak vs Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
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 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2500
| The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak | Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 60.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £2499.95 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is better value at £1500 vs £2500.
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
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £2499.95)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (60.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£2499.95 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 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts 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 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts