Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2500
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
The Macallan
★ 4.91
£2750
| Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) | The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £2500 | £2750 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.91/5 |
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) is better value at £2500 vs £2750.
For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£2500 vs £2750)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2750 vs £2500)
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) 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 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 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 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018