Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/45 Islay Whisky

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/45 Islay Whisky
DistilleryHighland ParkPort Ellen
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48.1%40%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£999£950
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/45 Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/45 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/45 Islay Whisky is better value at £950 vs £999.

For beginners: Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/45 Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

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 vs £950)

Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/45 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£950 vs £999)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/45 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

HoneyDried FruitToasted

Only Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/45 Islay Whisky

MedicinalLeathery

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