Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Port Ellen 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Balvenie 30 Year OldPort Ellen 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBalveniePort Ellen
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.2%48.3%
Age30 yr35 yr
Price£3192.95£2999.95
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value2/100

Port Ellen 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £3000 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 £2999.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£2999.95 vs £3192.95)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 30 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 35 Year Old (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 Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried FruitOld Wood

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

SherriedHoneyChocolate

Only Port Ellen 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

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