Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak

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

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak
DistilleryPort EllenThe Macallan
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%43%
Age33 yr18 yr
Price£999.95£799
Rating5.00/54.58/5

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value6/100

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.58).

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak is better value at £799 vs £1000.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£999.95 vs £799)

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£799 vs £999.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak 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

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old 1996 Sherry Oak

SherriedChocolateVanilla

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