Port Ellen 1978 / 37 Year Old / 16th Release (2016) Islay Whisky vs Balvenie 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 1978 / 37 Year Old / 16th Release (2016) Islay Whisky
Port Ellen
£4500
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
| Port Ellen 1978 / 37 Year Old / 16th Release (2016) Islay Whisky | Balvenie 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Balvenie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 44.2% |
| Age | NAS | 30 yr |
| Price | £4500 | £3192.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Port Ellen 1978 / 37 Year Old / 16th Release (2016) Islay Whisky
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 1978 / 37 Year Old / 16th Release (2016) Islay Whisky
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 30 Year Old is better value at £3193 vs £4500.
For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 1978 / 37 Year Old / 16th Release (2016) Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£4500 vs £3192.95)
- −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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 1978 / 37 Year Old / 16th Release (2016) Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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
Only Port Ellen 1978 / 37 Year Old / 16th Release (2016) Islay Whisky
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old