Port Ellen 1981 / 42 Year Old / Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Islay Whisky vs The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 1981 / 42 Year Old / Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Islay Whisky
Port Ellen
£9750
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£7225
| Port Ellen 1981 / 42 Year Old / Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Islay Whisky | The Balvenie 40 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Balvenie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 42.2% |
| Age | NAS | 40 yr |
| Price | £9750 | £7225 |
| Rating | — | 4.80/5 |
Port Ellen 1981 / 42 Year Old / Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Islay Whisky
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 1981 / 42 Year Old / Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Islay Whisky
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Balvenie 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
The Balvenie 40 Year Old is better value at £7225 vs £9750.
For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 1981 / 42 Year Old / Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£9750 vs £7225)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 1981 / 42 Year Old / Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy The?
The Balvenie 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Port Ellen 1981 / 42 Year Old / Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Islay Whisky
Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old