Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
£2999
| Balvenie 30 Year Old | Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.2% | 49.6% |
| Age | 30 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £3192.95 | £2999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) 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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2999)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£2999 vs £3192.95)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 30 years)
- +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 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)