Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Port Ellen
£3999
| Balvenie 30 Year Old | Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Port Ellen |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.2% | 54.7% |
| Age | 30 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £3192.95 | £3999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 30 Year Old is better value at £3193 vs £3999.
For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
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
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 30 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£3999 vs £3192.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Both taste of
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 40 Year Old 1979 - Private Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)