Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice vs Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

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

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's ChoiceTalisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
DistilleryPort EllenTalisker
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.2%45.8%
Age31 yr25 yr
Price£678.23£499
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value10/100

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is better value at £499 vs £678.

For beginners: Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 25 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£678.23 vs £499)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £678.23)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Talisker?

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only Port Ellen 31 Year Old 1982 (cask 1511) - Mackillop's Choice

Coal-gas

Only Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

Old Wood

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