The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 vs Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
The Macallan
★ 4.91
£2750
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2500
| The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.7% |
| Age | 25 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £2750 | £2500 |
| Rating | 4.91/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) is better value at £2500 vs £2750.
For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2750 vs £2500)
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£2500 vs £2750)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 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 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) 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 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)