Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Balvenie 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2700
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
| Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Balvenie 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.8% | 44.2% |
| Age | 35 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £2699.95 | £3192.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £2700 vs £3193.
For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£2699.95 vs £3192.95)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 30 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2699.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 30 Year Old 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
Only Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old