Highland Park 40 Year Old vs Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Highland Park
★ 4.88
£2995
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2999
| Highland Park 40 Year Old | Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Port Ellen |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.3% | 53.9% |
| Age | 40 yr | 32 yr |
| Price | £2995 | £2999 |
| Rating | 4.88/5 | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.88).
Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £2999.
For beginners: Highland Park 40 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Pros
- +More affordable (£2995 vs £2999)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 32 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£2999 vs £2995)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 40 Year Old 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 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011) 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
Only Highland Park 40 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1979 - 11th Release (Special Release 2011)