Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)

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

Glenfarclas 30 Year OldPort Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryGlenfarclasPort Ellen
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%51.7%
Age30 yr30 yr
Price£632.95£561.69
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value8/100

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £562 vs £633.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£632.95 vs £561.69)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£561.69 vs £632.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitChocolateTobacco

Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (cask 9828) - Directors Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

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