Highland Park 40 Year Old vs Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

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

Highland Park 40 Year OldPort Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryHighland ParkPort Ellen
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.3%49.6%
Age40 yr40 yr
Price£2995£2999
Rating4.88/5

Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

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 £2999.

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 £2999)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£2999 vs £2995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

SherriedTobaccoDried Fruit

Only Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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