Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Port Ellen 26 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970sPort Ellen 26 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryBarton BrandsPort Ellen
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%54.7%
AgeNAS26 yr
Price£180£148.45
Rating5.00/5

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value28/100

Port Ellen 26 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 26 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 26 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £148 vs £180.

For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

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 (£180 vs £148.45)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 26 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£148.45 vs £180)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Barton's?

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s 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 26 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

ToastedVanillaTobaccoHoneyOily

Only Port Ellen 26 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokeyMedicinalOld WoodLeatheryKippery

Explore more