Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) vs Port Ellen 12 Year Old / Douglas Murdoch Islay Whisky

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

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)Port Ellen 12 Year Old / Douglas Murdoch Islay Whisky
DistilleryDalmorePort Ellen
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV42%40%
Age25 yrNAS
Price£715£900
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Port Ellen 12 Year Old / Douglas Murdoch Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 12 Year Old / Douglas Murdoch Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £715 vs £900.

For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

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 12 Year Old / Douglas Murdoch Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£900 vs £715)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) 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 12 Year Old / Douglas Murdoch Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedVanillaOld WoodHoneyDried Fruit

Only Port Ellen 12 Year Old / Douglas Murdoch Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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