New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988 vs Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

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

New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s
DistilleryThe New Zealand Whisky CompanyChivas Regal
Region
CountryNew ZealandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.4%43%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£125.95£150
Rating5.00/5

New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value33/100

New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988 is better value at £126 vs £150.

For beginners: Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£125.95 vs £150)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 vs £125.95)

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 Chivas?

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried FruitHoney

Only New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988

Old WoodSherried

Only Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

Malt ExtractVanillaToasted

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