Ardmore 23 Year Old - Cask 66.26 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs 1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl)

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

Ardmore 23 Year Old - Cask 66.26 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl)
DistilleryArdmore1512 Spirits
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltRye
ABV52.3%47%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£8.88£7.21
Rating3.75/5

Ardmore 23 Year Old - Cask 66.26 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness90/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Ardmore 23 Year Old - Cask 66.26 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl) is rated higher (3.75 vs 0.00).

1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl) is better value at £7 vs £9.

For beginners: 1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 23 Year Old - Cask 66.26 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£8.88 vs £7.21)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 3.8)

1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (3.8/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 23 Year Old - Cask 66.26 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 1512?

1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl) 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

Only Ardmore 23 Year Old - Cask 66.26 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokeyMalt ExtractOld WoodToastedLeathery

Only 1512 Spirits Aged Rye Whiskey (37.5cl)

TobaccoVanilla

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