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 Old
Highland Park
★ 4.88
£2995

Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
£2999
| Highland Park 40 Year Old | Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Port Ellen |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.3% | 49.6% |
| Age | 40 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £2995 | £2999 |
| Rating | 4.88/5 | — |
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
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
Only Highland Park 40 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)