Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Barton Brands
★ 5.00
£180

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
★ 4.25
£290
| Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s | Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Barton Brands | Port Ellen |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 53.3% |
| Age | NAS | 30 yr |
| Price | £180 | £289.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.25/5 |
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.25).
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is better value at £180 vs £290.
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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£289.95 vs £180)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)
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 30 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old and Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)