Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask vs Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£599
Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky
Port Ellen
£950
| Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask | Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £599 | £950 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | — |
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky
Quick verdict
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is better value at £599 vs £950.
For beginners: Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
- +More affordable (£599 vs £950)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£950 vs £599)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Only Port Ellen 1980 / 16 Year Old / First Cask #89/589/43 Islay Whisky