Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1983 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1983 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryHighland ParkPort Ellen
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%54.6%
Age30 yr28 yr
Price£999£995
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

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

Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1983 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1983 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1983 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) is better value at £995 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 28 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £995)

Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1983 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£995 vs £999)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • 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 28 Year Old 1983 - Old & Rare Platinum (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

SmokeyDried FruitOld Wood

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

HoneyToasted

Only Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1983 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SherriedLeathery

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