Balvenie 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 7951) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two vs Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Balvenie 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 7951) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter TwoPort Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBalveniePort Ellen
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV61.8%47.5%
Age19 yr33 yr
Price£925.95£999.95
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 7951) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Balvenie 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 7951) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Balvenie 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 7951) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two is better value at £926 vs £1000.

For beginners: Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Balvenie 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 7951) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

Pros

  • +More affordable (£925.95 vs £999.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (61.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 19 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£999.95 vs £925.95)

Who should buy Balvenie?

Balvenie 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 7951) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two 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.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Balvenie 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 7951) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

SherriedToastedHoney

Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryDried Fruit

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