MacPhail's 40 Year Old vs Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

MacPhail's 40 Year OldPort Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGordon & MacPhailPort Ellen
RegionOther ScotchIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%47.5%
Age40 yr33 yr
Price£717.95£999.95
Rating5.00/5

MacPhail's 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

MacPhail's 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

MacPhail's 40 Year Old is better value at £718 vs £1000.

For beginners: MacPhail's 40 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

MacPhail's 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£717.95 vs £999.95)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 33 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£999.95 vs £717.95)

Who should buy MacPhail's?

MacPhail's 40 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only MacPhail's 40 Year Old

SherriedHoneyChocolate

Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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