Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Balvenie 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£4000
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
| Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | Balvenie 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.9% | 44.2% |
| Age | 35 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £3999.95 | £3192.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Balvenie 30 Year Old is better value at £3193 vs £4000.
For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 30 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£3999.95 vs £3192.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£3192.95 vs £3999.95)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 30 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old