Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 vs Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryHighland ParkPort Ellen
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.7%56.2%
Age25 yr31 yr
Price£799£678.23
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value6/100

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £678 vs £799.

For beginners: Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£799 vs £678.23)

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£678.23 vs £799)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 25 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice 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

Smokey

Only Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

SherriedHoneyDried Fruit

Only Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice

MedicinalLeatheryCoal-gas

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