Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 (cask 11099) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

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

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 (cask 11099) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
DistilleryPort EllenGlenrothes
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%41.8%
Age33 yr43 yr
Price£999.95£799.99
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 (cask 11099) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 (cask 11099) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 (cask 11099) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) is better value at £800 vs £1000.

For beginners: Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 (cask 11099) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£999.95 vs £799.99)

Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 (cask 11099) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£799.99 vs £999.95)
  • +Longer maturation (43 vs 33 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 (cask 11099) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

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

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryDried Fruit

Only Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 (cask 11099) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Malt ExtractVanillaToastedHoney

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