Highland Park 40 Year Old vs Port Ellen 41 Year Old 1982 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Highland Park 40 Year OldPort Ellen 41 Year Old 1982 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryHighland ParkPort Ellen
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.3%52.1%
Age40 yr41 yr
Price£2995£3499.95
Rating4.88/5

Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

Port Ellen 41 Year Old 1982 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 41 Year Old 1982 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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: Highland Park 40 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £3499.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 41 Year Old 1982 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (41 vs 40 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£3499.95 vs £2995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

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.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 41 Year Old 1982 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

Old Wood

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

SherriedTobaccoDried Fruit

Only Port Ellen 41 Year Old 1982 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

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