Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask vs Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask | Ardbeg 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Ardbeg |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Pot Still | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.7% | 46% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £899 | £599 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £899.
For beginners: Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask
Pros
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£899 vs £599)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £899)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask 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 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 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old