Auchentoshan 44 Year Old 1966 vs Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Auchentoshan 44 Year Old 1966
Auchentoshan
★ 4.67
£3000
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2500
| Auchentoshan 44 Year Old 1966 | Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Auchentoshan | Port Ellen |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40.9% | 57.7% |
| Age | 44 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £2999.95 | £2500 |
| Rating | 4.67/5 | 5.00/5 |
Auchentoshan 44 Year Old 1966
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Auchentoshan 44 Year Old 1966
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 4.67).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) is better value at £2500 vs £3000.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 44 Year Old 1966 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Auchentoshan 44 Year Old 1966
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (44 vs 30 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2999.95 vs £2500)
- −Lower community rating (4.7 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 £2999.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 44 Year Old 1966 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland 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
Both taste of
Only Auchentoshan 44 Year Old 1966
Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)