The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376) vs Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376)
GlenDronach
★ 5.00
£210

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
| The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376) | Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | GlenDronach | Ardbeg |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.2% | 49.1% |
| Age | 22 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £210 | £291.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376)
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376)
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Quick verdict
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376) is better value at £210 vs £292.
For beginners: The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£210 vs £291.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 22 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£291.95 vs £210)
Who should buy The?
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376) 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 Darkness!?
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376)
Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish