Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2999
| Balvenie 30 Year Old | Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.2% | 53.9% |
| Age | 30 yr | 32 yr |
| Price | £3192.95 | £2999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) is better value at £2999 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
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2999)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£2999 vs £3192.95)
- +Longer maturation (32 vs 30 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — 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 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) 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 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)