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)Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
DistilleryGlenDronachArdbeg
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.2%49.1%
Age22 yr23 yr
Price£210£291.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value24/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value17/100

The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Sherried

Only The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1994 (cask 1376)

Dried FruitChocolateHoneyToasted

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokeyCooked FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Explore more