The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 vs Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Port Ellen
£3999
| The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 54.7% |
| Age | 25 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £2750 | £3999 |
| Rating | 4.91/5 | — |
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £3999.
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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
- +More affordable (£2750 vs £3999)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 25 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£3999 vs £2750)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
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 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Both taste of
Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Only Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)