Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)
DistilleryHighland ParkPort Ellen
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%58.1%
Age30 yr25 yr
Price£999£795
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

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

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch) is better value at £795 vs £999.

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)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £795)

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£795 vs £999)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.1%) — 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 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 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch) 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

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

HoneyDried FruitToasted

Only Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

MedicinalKipperyLeathery

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