Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2055
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
| Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) | Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £2054.98 | £1299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1299 vs £2055.
For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£2054.98 vs £1299)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£1299 vs £2054.98)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) 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 Strathisla?
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)