New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988 vs Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988
The New Zealand Whisky Company
£126
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Cardhu
★ 5.00
£84
| New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988 | Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The New Zealand Whisky Company | Cardhu |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | New Zealand | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.4% | 56% |
| Age | 23 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £125.95 | £83.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Quick verdict
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £126.
For beginners: Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 11 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£125.95 vs £83.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£83.9 vs £125.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56%) — may need water
Who should buy New?
New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Cardhu?
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988
Only Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)