The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak vs Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
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 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
Port Ellen
£1999
| The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak | Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £1999 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | — |
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
Quick verdict
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £1999)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
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 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005) 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 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)