Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)
DistilleryHighland ParkPort Ellen
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%62.2%
Age30 yr18 yr
Price£999£1200
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is better value at £999 vs £1200.

For beginners: Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£999 vs £1200)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (62.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1200 vs £999)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead) 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

SmokeyDried FruitToastedOld Wood

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Honey

Only Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)

Leathery

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