Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 – Eidolon (Hunter Laing) vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 – Eidolon (Hunter Laing)The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
DistilleryPort EllenThe Macallan
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.5%43%
Age36 yr25 yr
Price£2450£2750
Rating4.91/5

Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 – Eidolon (Hunter Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

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

Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 – Eidolon (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 – Eidolon (Hunter Laing) is better value at £2450 vs £2750.

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

Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 – Eidolon (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£2450 vs £2750)
  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 25 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£2750 vs £2450)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 – Eidolon (Hunter Laing) 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

Both taste of

Dried FruitOld Wood

Only Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 – Eidolon (Hunter Laing)

SmokeyLeathery

Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018

SherriedChocolateTobacco

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