Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005) vs The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
Port Ellen
£1999
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
The Macallan
★ 4.80
£1500
| Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005) | The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 43% |
| Age | 25 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1500 |
| Rating | — | 4.80/5 |
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Quick verdict
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is better value at £1500 vs £1999.
For beginners: The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £1999)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005) 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.
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1979 - 5th Release (Special Release 2005)
Only The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak