Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old (with Wooden Box)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old (with Wooden Box)
DistilleryPort EllenNikka
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV47.5%43%
Age33 yr21 yr
Price£999.95£899
Rating5.00/54.70/5

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old (with Wooden Box)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value5/100

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old (with Wooden Box)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.70).

Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old (with Wooden Box) is better value at £899 vs £1000.

For beginners: Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old (with Wooden Box) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£999.95 vs £899)

Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old (with Wooden Box)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£899 vs £999.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y 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 Nikka?

Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old (with Wooden Box) 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

Both taste of

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old (with Wooden Box)

HoneyVanilla

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