Port Ellen 1979 / 25 Year Old / 5th Release (2005) Islay Whisky vs Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

Port Ellen 1979 / 25 Year Old / 5th Release (2005) Islay WhiskyHighland Park 40 Year Old
DistilleryPort EllenHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48.3%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£3500£2995
Rating4.88/5

Port Ellen 1979 / 25 Year Old / 5th Release (2005) Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Port Ellen 1979 / 25 Year Old / 5th Release (2005) Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.88 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £3500.

For beginners: Port Ellen 1979 / 25 Year Old / 5th Release (2005) Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 1979 / 25 Year Old / 5th Release (2005) Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£3500 vs £2995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £3500)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 1979 / 25 Year Old / 5th Release (2005) Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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

Dried FruitOld Wood

Only Port Ellen 1979 / 25 Year Old / 5th Release (2005) Islay Whisky

SmokeyLeathery

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

SherriedTobacco

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