Midleton Very Rare 2016 vs Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Midleton
★ 4.91
£799
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
£1200
| Midleton Very Rare 2016 | Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Port Ellen |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 55.6% |
| Age | NAS | 30 yr |
| Price | £799 | £1200 |
| Rating | 4.91/5 | — |
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Midleton Very Rare 2016 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).
Midleton Very Rare 2016 is better value at £799 vs £1200.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2016 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
- +More affordable (£799 vs £1200)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1200 vs £799)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 2016 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Midleton Very Rare 2016
Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)