Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) vs Balvenie 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
£2999
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
| Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | Balvenie 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.6% | 44.2% |
| Age | 40 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £2999 | £3192.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
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)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
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).
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
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
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.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old