Ardbeg 1978 vs Strathisla 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 3357) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 1978
Ardbeg
★ 4.00
£999
Strathisla 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 3357) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Strathisla
£1329
| Ardbeg 1978 | Strathisla 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 3357) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 44.2% |
| Age | 20 yr | 45 yr |
| Price | £999 | £1329.25 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 1978
Strathisla 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 3357) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Ardbeg 1978
Strathisla 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 3357) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 1978 is rated higher (4.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 1978 is better value at £999 vs £1329.
For beginners: Strathisla 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 3357) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 1978
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.0/5)
- +More affordable (£999 vs £1329.25)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathisla 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 3357) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (45 vs 20 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£1329.25 vs £999)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 1978 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Strathisla?
Strathisla 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 3357) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) 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 Ardbeg 1978
Only Strathisla 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 3357) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)