Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
£562
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Port Ellen |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 51.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £599 | £561.69 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £562 vs £599.
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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£599 vs £561.69)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£561.69 vs £599)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (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 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)