Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Port Ellen 1978 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
Port Ellen 1978 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Port Ellen
£2500
| Balvenie 30 Year Old | Port Ellen 1978 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 44.2% | 40% |
| Age | 30 yr | NAS |
| Price | £3192.95 | £2500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 1978 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 1978 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Quick verdict
Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Port Ellen 1978 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky is better value at £2500 vs £3193.
For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2500)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 1978 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£2500 vs £3192.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 30 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 1978 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts 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
Both taste of
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 1978 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky