Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1979 - 7th Release (Special Release 2007) (20cl)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldPort Ellen 28 Year Old 1979 - 7th Release (Special Release 2007) (20cl)
DistilleryArdbegPort Ellen
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%54.7%
Age21 yr28 yr
Price£599£899
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value8/100

Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1979 - 7th Release (Special Release 2007) (20cl)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1979 - 7th Release (Special Release 2007) (20cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £899.

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 £899)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1979 - 7th Release (Special Release 2007) (20cl)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£899 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 28 Year Old 1979 - 7th Release (Special Release 2007) (20cl) 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

SmokeyLeathery

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

MedicinalKipperyOily

Only Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1979 - 7th Release (Special Release 2007) (20cl)

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

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