Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
£994
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Port Ellen |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 54.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 27 yr |
| Price | £599 | £994.47 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £994.
For beginners: Ardbeg 21 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£599 vs £994.47)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£994.47 vs £599)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 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 Port?
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (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
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)