Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) vs Highland Park 40 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2999
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Highland Park
★ 4.88
£2995
| Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) | Highland Park 40 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.9% | 48.3% |
| Age | 32 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £2999 | £2995 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.88/5 |
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.88).
Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £2999.
For beginners: Highland Park 40 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£2999 vs £2995)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Pros
- +More affordable (£2995 vs £2999)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 32 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) 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.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 40 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Only Highland Park 40 Year Old