Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
DistilleryPort EllenThe Macallan
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.9%43%
Age35 yr25 yr
Price£3999.95£2750
Rating5.00/54.91/5

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value1/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value2/100

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £4000.

For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 25 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£3999.95 vs £2750)
  • 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£2750 vs £3999.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay 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 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 35 Year Old 1983 (Release No.11535) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOilyCoal-gas

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitChocolateTobacco

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