Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask vs William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

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

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First CaskWilliam Larue Weller (2015 Release)
DistilleryPort EllenWilliam Larue Weller
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV46%67.3%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£695£501.45
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value10/100

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

William Larue Weller (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

William Larue Weller (2015 Release) is better value at £501 vs £695.

For beginners: Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£695 vs £501.45)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£501.45 vs £695)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (67.3%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy William?

William Larue Weller (2015 Release) 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

Only Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryTobaccoOld Wood

Only William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

VanillaHoneyToastedSherriedMalt Extract

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