Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2500
| Balvenie 30 Year Old | Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.2% | 60.9% |
| Age | 30 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £3192.95 | £2499.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts 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
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 20 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2499.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£2499.95 vs £3192.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (60.9%) — may need water
- −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 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts