Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series vs The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£6999
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£7225
| Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series | The Balvenie 40 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.9% | 42.2% |
| Age | 40 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £6999 | £7225 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.80/5 |
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series is better value at £6999 vs £7225.
For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£6999 vs £7225)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£7225 vs £6999)
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series 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 Balvenie 40 Year Old 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
Only Port Ellen 40 Year Old - Untold Stories Series
Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old