Midleton Very Rare 1997 / 25 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange vs Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Midleton Very Rare 1997 / 25 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky ExchangeArdbeg 21 Year Old
DistilleryMidletonArdbeg
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeIrishSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£710£599
Rating5.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 1997 / 25 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value8/100

Midleton Very Rare 1997 / 25 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £710.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 1997 / 25 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 1997 / 25 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£710 vs £599)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £710)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 1997 / 25 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Irish character.

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Midleton Very Rare 1997 / 25 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange

ChocolateHoneyCitricToastedNutty

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

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